Saskatchewan expands pharmacy care access

September 11, 2026

Media Release, Health, Government of Saskatchewan

Key points from this story:

• Over 100 pharmacies now offer services
• 55 new locations added provincewide
• Services in 34 communities by Jan 2027
• 71 pharmacies offer both strep and ear
• Pilot delivered more than 1,000 services
• Training continues in December and January

Pharmacists at select locations across the province have been trained to assess symptoms, perform rapid testing for strep throat, and determine appropriate treatment options, including prescribing medication. The strep throat and ear infection services program supports the Patient First Health Care Plan by improving access to care through community pharmacies.

All eligible pharmacies that applied through the provincial intake in July have been accepted, adding 55 new locations across Saskatchewan. By January 2027, strep throat and ear services will be available in 34 communities. 71 pharmacies will offer both strep throat and ear services and 31 offering ear services only.

"This expansion provides more timely access to assessment and treatment, aligning with our goals under the Patients First Plan," Rural and Remote Health Minister Lori Carr said. "The strong response to the Strep Throat and Ear Infection Program is encouraging. Through this expansion, pharmacists will play a significant role in enhancing access to quality care for patients as close to home as possible."

A pilot project that launched in January 2025 has delivered over 1,000 services across Saskatchewan. This demonstrates the value of expanding pharmacists' roles and ensures accessible frontline care.

Training for new applicants occurred in August for the September launch and will continue in December for pharmacists joining in January 2027. Ongoing training will continue to support future expansion of the program. Pharmacists in new communities were prioritized for September training.

"This program is a great example of what we can achieve when pharmacists, the health system and regulatory partners work together toward a shared goal," SCPP President Lindsay Mildenberger said. "By expanding access to assessment and treatment through community pharmacies, we are strengthening the role of pharmacists in patient care and helping Saskatchewan patients access care when and where they need it."

Funding for the strep throat and ear infection services program was incorporated into the 2026-2029 Pharmacy Proprietor Agreement as part of approved scope optimization investments. A list of participating pharmacies and communities is available at the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals website.

"As a growing community with many young families, it was apparent that these two services in particular would-be important additions to the clinical services we offer to our patient population," White Butte Pharmacy Manager Shona Elder said. "As our community continues to grow it is important that we 'their local pharmacy' evolves to grow with them. People want to leave the pharmacy with the feeling of having been in capable hands and that is exactly what we try to offer."

There are over 1,400 practising pharmacists in 428 licensed community pharmacies in Saskatchewan. In many communities, pharmacies are the primary - if not the only - access to healthcare services.