Fifteen new primary care clinics have opened up in pharmacies across the province, expanding access to healthcare for more and more communities.

The Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia (PANS) says it’s part of Phase 3 of the Community Pharmacy Primary Care Clinic (CPPCC) project that launched in February 2023.

It has since expanded twice because of early success.

The clinics have provided over 223,000 services including renewing over 50,000 prescriptions with 48,000 assessments including things like strep throat, pink eye and heart burn.

In September, Premier Tim Houston and CEO of the PANS, Allison Bodnar, made the announcement about the expansion.

Bodner said the clinics were “changing the face of healthcare in Nova Scotia”, providing accessible and timely care and they were “incredibly proud” of the project.

Meantime, Elaine Saulnier, a long-time pharmacist at Saulnierville Pharmacy and part of the CPPCC said in a statement, it is invigorating to see the impact it is happening.

“Our patients are really benefitting from this service and so are we. It gives my team and I a great sense of pride to be part of such a great project and make a positive impact in patient’s lives.”

According to the government, primary care clinics contributed to a 9.2% decrease in emergency room visits for less serious conditions.

The total number of sites is now 46.