Minor Ailment Pharmacist Ottawa — What Can a Pharmacist Treat?

Ontario's expanded scope of practice now allows pharmacists to assess and prescribe for common minor ailments — from UTIs and cold sores to eczema and hay fever. No doctor's appointment required.

What Is the Minor Ailments Program in Ontario?

In January 2023, Ontario expanded the scope of practice for registered pharmacists under the Ontario Minor Ailments Program. This landmark change means that your local pharmacist can now independently assess and prescribe treatments for common, non-urgent health conditions — without you needing to see a doctor or visit a walk-in clinic first.

This is a significant shift in Canadian healthcare. For decades, pharmacists have been highly trained medication experts — yet they were limited in their ability to prescribe. Now, Ontario residents can access timely, professional treatment for everyday health issues right at their community pharmacy.

The program is designed to reduce the burden on family doctors, walk-in clinics, and emergency departments — while ensuring patients get faster access to appropriate care for conditions that do not require a physician visit.

The Minor Ailments a Pharmacist Can Treat in Ontario

Ontario pharmacists are authorized to assess and prescribe for the following conditions:

• ✓Acne (mild)
• ✓Allergic rhinitis
• ✓Aphthous ulcers (canker sores)
• ✓Candidal stomatitis (oral thrush)
• ✓Conjunctivitis (bacterial, allergic, or viral)
• ✓Dermatitis (atopic/eczema, allergic, or contact)
• ✓Diaper dermatitis
• ✓Dysmenorrhea
• ✓Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• ✓Hemorrhoids
• ✓Herpes labialis (cold sores)
• ✓Impetigo
• ✓Insect bites and urticaria (hives)
• ✓Tick bites
• ✓Post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent Lyme disease
• ✓Musculoskeletal sprains and strains
• ✓Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy
• ✓Pinworms and threadworms
• ✓Urinary tract infections (uncomplicated)
• ✓Vulvovaginal candidiasis (yeast infection)

Not all conditions require a prescription treatment. Sometimes the pharmacist will recommend an over-the-counter product, lifestyle advice, or refer you to a physician if the condition is outside the scope of minor ailment prescribing.

No Doctor Referral Needed

One of the most valuable aspects of the Minor Ailments Program is that you do not need a doctor's referral or a prior prescription. Simply walk into Tartan Pharmacy, describe your symptoms, and our pharmacist will conduct a clinical assessment on the spot.

This is especially helpful for patients who do not have a family doctor, who face long wait times for available appointments, or who need treatment quickly for a straightforward condition like a UTI or cold sore.

How Does the Minor Ailments Assessment Work at Tartan?

When you visit Tartan Pharmacy for a minor ailment assessment, here is what happens:

1. 1Walk in and speak to our pharmacist — No appointment is necessary. Let the pharmacist know you would like a minor ailment assessment.
2. 2Complete a brief health questionnaire — We will ask about your symptoms, medical history, current medications, and any relevant allergies.
3. 3Clinical assessment — The pharmacist will assess your condition and determine whether it falls within the minor ailments program. For some conditions, a brief physical examination may be performed (e.g., inspecting a skin condition or eye).
4. 4Prescription or recommendation — If appropriate, the pharmacist will prescribe a treatment, dispense the medication (or provide an over-the-counter recommendation), and explain how to use it.
5. 5Follow-up care — The pharmacist will advise you on when to seek further medical attention if your symptoms do not improve, and can share a summary with your family doctor if desired.

Does the Minor Ailments Service Cost Anything?

The pharmacist assessment itself is billed directly to OHIP for eligible Ontario residents with a valid health card — so there is no out-of-pocket cost for the assessment. You simply need to bring your OHIP card.

If a prescription is issued, you will pay for the medication through your usual drug coverage (private insurance, ODB, etc.) or out of pocket if you do not have drug coverage.

Examples of Common Minor Ailment Visits

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