The Government of Saskatchewan is expanding strep throat and ear infection services to more than 100 pharmacies across the province.
Pharmacists at participating locations have received training to assess symptoms, conduct rapid testing for strep throat and determine appropriate treatment options, including prescribing medication when applicable.
The expansion follows a provincial intake process in July, with all eligible pharmacies that applied being accepted. The addition of 55 locations brings the program to 102 pharmacies across Saskatchewan.
By January 2027, strep throat and ear infection services are expected to be available in 34 communities. Of the participating pharmacies, 71 will offer both strep throat and ear infection services, while another 31 will provide ear infection services only.
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Program has delivered more than 1,000 services
The service was initially launched as a pilot project in January 2025. Since then, more than 1,000 services have been provided across Saskatchewan.
Training for the newly approved pharmacies took place in August ahead of the September launch. Additional training is scheduled for December for pharmacists joining the program in January 2027, with ongoing training planned as the program expands.
Rural and Remote Health Minister Lori Carr said the expansion is intended to improve access to assessment and treatment through community pharmacies.
Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals president Lindsay Mildenberger said the program demonstrates how pharmacists, the health system and regulatory partners can work together to expand patient care.
Funding for the 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 through the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals.
There are more than 1,400 practising pharmacists working in 428 licensed community pharmacies across Saskatchewan. The province says pharmacies are an important point of access to health-care services, particularly in communities where other options may be limited