Canada’s healthcare system is encountering strain and high demand for accessible services, so pharmacies now take a more active role in care delivery. Due to high costs, extended wait times for doctors, and increased need for disease prevention, pharmacists have turned into key players in healthcare.
As pharmacies shift from basic medication outlets to health centers that provide various services to support public health, a transformation in healthcare delivery is occurring. From vaccines to disease control to mental health assistance, pharmacists now participate more in patient care, making healthcare easier to access nationwide.
The Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) stressed the important role that pharmacists play in improving healthcare access. They advocated for investments in pharmacy services to allow Canadians to access the care they need within their communities.
Abadir Nasr, a respected pharmacist in Ontario, sees this expanded pharmacy role as both necessary for Canada’s healthcare system and a major change in how people engage with healthcare.
“Pharmacies fit perfectly as a way to address the growing demand for healthcare services. They are accessible, well-distributed in urban and rural areas, and staffed by healthcare professionals who are trained to offer many services. As healthcare needs grow, pharmacists naturally take on a bigger role in preventative care and disease control,” says Nasr.
The biggest change in 2025 is vaccines. Pharmacists now give shots for the flu, COVID-19, and other routine vaccines. Health Canada reports that more than half of vaccinated Canadian adults got their flu shots at pharmacies in 2023 and 2024. Higher numbers are expected for 2025 as more people want quick walk-in options.
Besides vaccines, pharmacies now do health checkups. Many locations offer blood pressure tests, cholesterol screenings, and blood sugar checkups to spot health risks early. This is convenient for people who don’t live near doctors or clinics.
“These direct pharmacy services make a difference,” Nasr adds. “People without doctors or those far from clinics now have better options. When services exist at pharmacies, patients use them more.”
As Canada’s population ages, conditions like diabetes, blood pressure issues, and heart problems increase. Pharmacists lead the way to help patients handle these issues through medication management that keeps treatments on track.
Pharmacists teach patients about lifestyle changes that help manage or prevent chronic health problems. For example, pharmacies across Canada are providing nutritional advice and exercise tips to reduce the risk of heart disease or control diabetes.
“Disease control needs more than just pills. We’ve become the first line of defence with lifestyle tips, medication help, plus doctor coordination for a full approach to care,” says Nasr.
The mental health crisis prompts pharmacies to assist struggling patients. Many pharmacists learn to spot mental health signs and offer initial consultations, suggest treatments, and connect people to specialists. Mental health services at pharmacies matter most in rural spots where specialists are not easily accessible. A local pharmacy often serves as the nearest option for mental health care.
While the expansion of pharmacy services has a lot of potential, it also comes with challenges. Pharmacists need to have the proper training and resources to deliver safe and effective healthcare services. They must also work with doctors and providers to ensure that patients receive full care.
“As pharmacists take on new roles, teamwork with other providers is essential. Collaboration is key to ensuring that patients receive the best care possible, whether they’re managing a chronic disease, getting a vaccine, or seeking mental health support,” Nasr concludes.
With pharmacists taking on more roles in healthcare, more Canadians will have easier access to the services they need, ultimately improving health outcomes nationwide.