Government has expanded pharmacists’ abilities to prescribe medications for certain ailments, and the Pharmacists Association believes that’s good news for patients who are on tight incomes.

Among the changes government announced yesterday are the addition of four new conditions that pharmacists can prescribe for, which are covered by MCP.

As well, five additional conditions, which were previously only covered by the prescription drug plan, will also be covered by MCP.

Pharmacists’ Association President, Dr. Janice Audeau says the cost for patients to pay out of pocket can be huge.

She says there have been many times where she has told a patient that she can do an assessment, but when they hear the cost they opt to go to the emergency room instead where they can get it done for free. She believes the changes will help address those issues.