Ontario government set to expand Minor Ailments program

The Ontario government is set to expand its Minor Ailments program by adding 14 new conditions—ranging from lice infestations to insomnia and tension headaches—after launching public consultations last summer. When these changes take effect in mid-2025, local pharmacists will be authorized to assess, prescribe, and manage treatment for a total of 33 minor ailments, significantly enhancing pharmacy-based primary care across the province

Background

As part of the More Convenient Care Act, Ontario pharmacists have been empowered since January 2023 to treat and prescribe for 13 minor ailments and renew most existing prescriptions, streamlining patient access to care without a doctor’s visit Ontario Newsroom.
An additional six conditions—such as mild acne, canker sores, diaper dermatitis, and yeast infections—were incorporated on October 1, 2023, bringing the current list to 19 ailments Ocpinfo.

Upcoming Expansion

In July 2024, the province began formal consultations on adding 14 more common ailments to the program, including head lice, insomnia, and tension headaches, inviting input from patients, pharmacies, and health stakeholders CTV News.
Industry experts at MAPflow anticipate that, following this feedback period, the expanded list will be implemented “in the coming months,” with pharmacies preparing updated protocols and training to ensure a seamless transition mapflow.ca.

Industry Reaction

The Ontario Pharmacists Association has welcomed the proposed expansion but argues that pharmacists’ prescribing powers should next extend to contraception and emergency contraception to fully address community health needs Global News.
Meanwhile, the Ontario College of Pharmacists reports that pharmacies conducted over one million minor-ailment assessments in the first year of the program, underscoring strong patient uptake and operational readiness for further growth Ontario Newsroom.
Major suppliers and distributors note that broadening pharmacy services has already helped alleviate pressure on clinics and emergency departments by redirecting low-acuity cases to community pharmacies McKesson Canada.

Impact on Healthcare Delivery

Patients have experienced faster access to treatment for conditions like acne, allergies, and urinary tract infections, often receiving same-day care directly at their local pharmacy Ocpinfo.
With shortages of certain medications such as GLP-1 agents now largely resolved, pharmacists are better positioned to meet increased demand for both chronic and minor‐ailment therapies CityNews Toronto.

What to Expect Next

The public consultation period will guide final regulatory amendments, with stakeholder input due by April 30, 2025, ahead of a formal rollout in early summer CTV News.
Vendors such as MAPflow are already rolling out educational materials and workflow tools to help pharmacies integrate the new assessment protocols once approved mapflow.ca.

By mid-2025, Ontarians can expect one of the most comprehensive pharmacist-led primary care models in Canada, reinforcing the role of community pharmacies as accessible, frontline healthcare providers.