Pharmacists in New Brunswick will be publicly funded to assess and prescribe seven more illnesses and conditions.

The provincial government made the announcement on Monday at a pharmacy in Riverview.

Patients can now turn to pharmacists for care of the following:

• contact allergic dermatitis
• cold sores
• mild to moderate eczema
• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• impetigo
• Lyme disease prevention after a high-risk tick bite
• mild acne

Patients will still be responsible for the cost of prescribed medications as well as any fees for injections.

“This step supports our efforts to improve access to primary care by giving patients access to treatment at participating pharmacies without needing to attend a doctor’s office or after-hours clinic,” said Health Minister Bruce Fitch.

“Making it easier for patients to receive treatment and reducing the number of people going to a doctor or nurse practitioner for common ailments supports our efforts under our provincial health plan.”

“The New Brunswick Pharmacists’ Association has been advocating for years to expand coverage for New Brunswickers to access health care in their community pharmacies,” said Andrew Drover, president of the New Brunswick Pharmacists’ Association.

“Today’s announcement means thousands of patients will be diverted from emergency departments, doctors’ offices and clinics. Expanding the role of pharmacies is a prescription for relief in our health-care system.”

“This addition to the list of ailments covered by the province recognizes the knowledge and the education of pharmacists,” said Anastasia Shiamptanis, registrar of the New Brunswick College of Pharmacists.

“Patient care is at the core of what pharmacists and pharmacy technicians do and this is a good extension of their role in primary care.”

Fitch said the announcement builds upon government initiatives to expand the role of pharmacists over the past two years.