Nunavut Expands Pharmacy Services to Improve Access to Medications

Pharmacy services in Nunavut have seen a temporary expansion, allowing pharmacists to supervise pharmacies remotely under specific conditions. Additionally, nurse practitioners in the territory are now authorized to prescribe medications. These changes are part of a broader initiative by the Department of Health to enhance access to essential medicines.

The amendments to the Pharmacy Act, effective from September 2023, have also made Naloxone, a critical drug used to reverse opioid overdoses, available to the public. Previously categorized as a controlled substance, both the nasal spray and injection forms of Naloxone are now accessible without restrictions. This move aims to address the growing public health crisis associated with opioid overdoses.

According to the Department of Health, these updates are interim measures while new regulations under the Pharmacy Professions Act are being developed. These regulations, expected to be finalized by late 2026, will establish professional standards, pharmacy technician registration requirements, supervisory roles, and protocols for addressing misconduct within the profession.

The Professional Practice Unit at the Department of Health oversees pharmacists in Nunavut, as there is no dedicated college of pharmacists in the territory or any other Canadian territories. This oversight is noted by the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities, highlighting the unique challenges faced in regulating pharmacy practices in remote regions.

The Department of Health emphasized that the primary goal of these changes is to improve access to medication for the residents of Nunavut. By enabling remote supervision of pharmacies and expanding the prescribing capabilities of nurse practitioners, the government aims to address the healthcare needs of a population that often faces geographical and logistical barriers to accessing essential health services.

As these temporary measures take effect, stakeholders in the healthcare sector and community advocates are watching closely. The changes represent a significant step toward modernizing pharmacy services in Nunavut, reflecting a commitment to adapt healthcare delivery in response to the unique challenges posed by the region’s vast and often isolated communities.