Blaine Higgs, the Progressive Conservative premier of New Brunswick, faced a challenge that was addressed by Canada’s largest pharmacy chain. In the summer of 2022, Higgs implemented significant changes to the senior management of the province’s healthcare system with the goal of enhancing access.
By the end of the year, Perry Martin, a senior lobbyist for Shoppers Drug Mart, was advocating for a pilot program to the provincial Department of Health. This initiative aimed to empower pharmacists to manage chronic conditions like diabetes and asthma, conduct strep A swab tests, and alleviate the burden on family doctors and emergency departments.
Despite the government missing the premier’s desired timeline, the pilot project was eventually launched in six New Brunswick pharmacies. However, the newly elected Liberal government under Susan Holt terminated the program earlier this year due to the unproven efficacy of diverting patients to pharmacies for care.
Perry Martin, advocating for enhanced professional services for pharmacists, highlighted the success of a similar program in Alberta. Although the push to allow pharmacists to order blood work faced opposition from health officials, discussions continued to drive the project forward.
The pilot project encountered various challenges, including concerns about increased strain on the healthcare system and the lack of coordination between pharmacists and primary care providers. Despite high patient satisfaction, the program did not demonstrate significant improvements in health outcomes or a reduction in emergency visits.
The government decided to end the pilot project in January 2025, citing the lack of conclusive evidence of its impact on the public system. While pharmacists continue to offer essential services, discussions are ongoing to explore future possibilities in collaboration with the health minister.