For those in Ahousaht, a remote community on Flores Island near Tofino, they have to take a boat off the island to the closest pharmacy or clinic in places such as Tofino, Ucluelet, or Port Alberni to receive a doctor's prescription or contraception.
On April 1 the province set out to provide free contraception to all British Columbians covered under MSP.
In September 2022 it was announced that the Ministry of Health and the College of Pharmacists of B.C. would develop regulations to allow pharmacists to prescribe medication for minor ailments and contraception. Malhotra goes on to explain that, though it is currently pending as to when a certified RN can prescribe contraception, the FNHA is in favor of broadening their scope of practice.
For those located in Ahousaht, a remote community on Flores Island near Tofino, they have to take a boat off the island to the closest pharmacy or clinic in places such as Tofino, Ucluelet, or Port Alberni to receive a doctor's prescription or contraception, including emergency contraception, explains Rix.