Saskatchewan’s pharmacist-led strep and ear infection pilot project is a success

Since January 2025, Saskatchewan has been running a pilot project allowing participating pharmacists to conduct point-of-care testing for strep throat and assess for ear infections. The pilot, which is part of a larger effort in the province to improve primary care—particularly in rural and remote areas—had 140 pharmacists across Saskatchewan participate.As of mid-July, 3,135 patients were assessed at participating pharmacies—745 for sore throats and 2,390 for suspected ear infections. Of these cases, 53% did not require a prescription, which the province’s press release says highlights “the benefit of clinical evaluation.” Participating pharmacies were trained to meet competency requirements established by the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals to provide these services. In total, 11 pharmacies conducted strep throat tests and assessed for ear infections during this pilot period. Another 35 pharmacies offered ear infection assessments only. "This pilot is one of the first in Canada and shows that pharmacists play a vital role in enhancing access to timely care for common conditions," Rural and Remote Health Minister Lori Carr said in a press release. "The fast access to assessment and treatment is reassuring to patients and strengthens team-based primary healthcare in the province."Since 2012, pharmacists in Saskatchewan have had the authority to prescribe for three minor ailments. That list has since grown to 31, including acne, pink eye, shingles, urinary tract infections and more. Given the success of the pilot, pharmacists in the province are calling for full implementation of the program. "I am confident that this pilot has demonstrated a meaningful impact and that full implementation could be a sustainable, long-term solution for Saskatchewan's healthcare system" said Rexall Moose Jaw pharmacy services manager Chad Miskiman in the same press release. "Moreover, this has significantly enhanced trust and credibility among pharmacy patients, as reflected in the substantial positive feedback we have received from the community."

Saskatchewan’s pharmacist-led strep and ear infection pilot project is a success

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