Pharmacists prescribing for common ailments in Ontario (free assessment with your OHIP card)
Pharmacists prescribing for common ailments in Ontario (free assessment with your OHIP card) is a free service run by the Ministry of Health for anyone with an Ontario health card (OHIP). Checked on the official page on October 6, 2026.
You likely qualify if: Anyone with an Ontario health card; No age limit; the pharmacist decides.
Open the official pageSend to someone who needs thisChecked on October 6, 2026 on the official page
We last read this on October 6, 2026. That was a while ago, so please check their own website before you rely on it, and tell us below if something changed.
In Ontario, a pharmacist can assess you and prescribe certain medicines for common ailments without a visit to a doctor: acid reflux, acne, calluses and corns, canker sores, cold sores, dandruff, dermatitis, diaper rash, dry eye, hay fever, head lice, hemorrhoids, impetigo, insect bites and hives, jock itch, menstrual cramps, mild headache, nasal congestion, nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, oral thrush, parasitic worms, pink eye, ringworm, sprains and strains, tick bites, urinary tract infections (UTIs), warts and yeast infections. Pharmacists can also prescribe medicine to treat COVID-19 and the flu.
Who qualifies
Anyone with an Ontario health card (OHIP). The rules have no age limit, but age can matter for some ailments, so the pharmacist decides case by case. If you have no health card, the pharmacist may charge a reasonable fee for the service.
You likely qualify if:
- Anyone with an Ontario health card
- No age limit; the pharmacist decides
How to apply
- Apply on their website.
- Come back here and tell us if it worked.
Where else they are
Their website is ontario.ca/page/pharmacies.
Good to know
- CostNo extra cost with your OHIP card. If you get a prescription, there may be costs or fees for dispensing the medicine.
- Their stepsCall your local pharmacy first. Ask if they prescribe for your problem and if you need an appointment, because not every pharmacy offers this. Some pharmacists can also do it virtually. Bring your Ontario health card (OHIP). The pharmacist assesses you and, if it is right for you, prescribes a medicine. If you need lab tests or more care, they may refer you to a doctor or nurse practitioner. The pharmacist must tell your family doctor or nurse practitioner, if you have one, about the prescription.
Did this way in answer?
Talk to a person: call 2-1-1, any time
Something wrong? Tell us
What to bring
- Your Ontario health card
- A call to the pharmacy first
Dates
The official page we read gives no date. Check it before you apply.
Something wrong? Tell us
We read all of this on their own website. If something has changed, tell us here. It takes 20 seconds, needs no account, and nothing is deleted: the old fact stays until a person checks yours.