Pharmacists in Ontario can now diagnose and treat 19 common diseases, but they are still unable to prescribe contraception or emergency contraception.

In this regard, Justin Bates, the CEO of the Ontario Pharmacists Association, stated that the ability to prescribe those medications is essential to address women's health concerns.

He added that he hopes pharmacists in Ontario will be able to prescribe contraception and emergency contraception by next year.

Contraception and emergency contraception are included in a new list of proposed prescribing powers for 17 additional conditions recommended by the Ontario College of Pharmacists to the Ministry of Health.

Bates' comments come after the province announced on Sunday the expansion of pharmacists' prescribing powers to include medications for acne, cold sores, rashes, yeast infections, parasitic worms, and nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

These six conditions are in addition to the 13 common diseases that pharmacists in Ontario have been allowed to prescribe treatments for, including pink eye, menstrual cramps, and urinary tract infections.

Bates said that the new additions are welcome, but pharmacists in other provinces have prescribing authority for many other conditions.

According to data from the Canadian Pharmacists Association, pharmacists in all provinces except Ontario, Manitoba, and the three territories can prescribe contraception and emergency contraception.

The Ontario College of Pharmacists Council approved the proposed list of 17 diseases on September 19.

Bates stated that the process is unlikely to be completed until sometime in 2024.

In addition to contraception and emergency contraception, the medications under review for prescriptions include insomnia, head lice, and erectile dysfunction.