Saskatchewan's healthcare system is revolutionizing the way strep throat testing is conducted, offering families a convenient and efficient approach to care. The province has expanded its pharmacist-led strep throat testing pilot, providing faster and easier access to diagnosis and treatment for more residents.
The initiative, which began in January, has already demonstrated remarkable results. Pharmacists have conducted over 4,300 assessments, with 3,302 focusing on sore throats and 1,025 on suspected ear infections. This translates to thousands of emergency room visits saved across the province, ensuring patients receive timely and accessible care.
Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill emphasized the importance of expanding healthcare options and access for patients. He highlighted the excitement surrounding the pilot project's rollout and the increasing number of pharmacists willing to participate. The program's success in smaller communities, where pharmacies are often the primary healthcare access point, has been particularly noteworthy.
Pharmacy-based strep throat testing is a quick and straightforward process. Patients can call the pharmacy, undergo a simple throat swab, and receive results within minutes. This approach not only reduces unnecessary ER or urgent care visits but also provides immediate treatment options.
The expansion of pharmacist roles in Saskatchewan has been a decade-long journey. Since 2012, pharmacists have been authorized to prescribe for 31 minor ailments, including pink eye and cold sores. The strep throat testing pilot is a significant step towards offering patients more convenient and hands-on care.
The Pharmacy Association of Saskatchewan has praised the initiative, recognizing the vital role pharmacy professionals play in expanding access to primary care. The association's CEO, Michael Fougere, highlighted the innovative step forward in strengthening health services across the province.
Families in Saskatchewan can now benefit from reduced waiting times, less travel, and faster answers when someone in their household is unwell. The expanded pharmacy strep throat testing program is a testament to the system's commitment to improving healthcare accessibility and efficiency.
Here's a list of pharmacies offering strep throat testing:
- Dieppe Pharmacy (6222 Dewdney Avenue, Regina)
- Wal-Mart Pharmacy (2150 Prince of Wales Drive, Regina)
- Shoppers Drug Mart (42-2105 8th Street East, Saskatoon)
- FreshCo Pharmacy (302-33rd Street West, Saskatoon)
- Pharmasave (3-50 Kenderdine Road, Saskatoon)
- Warman Pharmasave (9-910 Centennial Boulevard, Warman)
- Pharmasave (30-3rd Street NE, Weyburn)
- Safeway Pharmacy (200-1st Avenue North West, Moose Jaw)
- Crescent Park Pharmacy (1501A Olive Diefenbaker Drive, Prince Albert)
- Shoppers Drug Mart (100-22B Great Plains Road, Emerald Park)
- Shoppers Drug Mart (911 Central Avenue North, Swift Current)
Note: Some pharmacies will begin offering testing in January 2026.
