Future of Pharmacy 2026 by Mediaplanet Canada

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A SPECIAL INTEREST SECTION BY MEDIAPLANET

LEADING THE CHARGE IN PHARMACY INNOVATION, A CONVERSATION WITH DR. DEBBIE KELLY Dr. Debbie Kelly, 2025 Pharmacist of the Year, shares insights on evolving practice, systemic primary care needs, and empowering pharmacists.

Future of Pharmacy

Read the full Q&A online at healthinsight.ca.

More Than Dispensing, the Evolving Role of Independent Pharmacies As health system pressures grow, independent pharmacies continue to deliver accessible, neighbourhood-based care Canadians rely on.

harmacy Appreciation Month is an opportunity to recognize the essential role independent pharmacies play in sustaining Canada’s health care system. Over the past several years, the role of community pharmacy has fundamentally evolved. Independent pharmacies are no longer viewed solely as dispensing points. They are accessible, neighbourhood-based health care hubs delivering clinical services, advancing public health priorities, and expanding primary care capacity. During the pandemic, pharmacies remained open and

Sherif Guorgui

operational while much of the system was constrained. They ensured uninterrupted access to medications and supported testing and vaccination efforts at scale. That period did not redefine pharmacy. It revealed its system value.

Access where and when patients need it With expanded scope of practice, pharmacists now assess and prescribe for minor ailments, conduct medication reviews, and provide timely interventions that prevent escalation of manageable health concerns. For many patients, particularly those without immediate

access to a physician, the community pharmacy is the most accessible point of care. As pressures on Canada’s health care system intensify, independent pharmacies are increasing capacity, improving access, and strengthening continuity of care. However, sustainability must remain central. Expanded clinical responsibility requires fair reimbursement, regulatory clarity, and policies that protect patient choice. Pharmacy Appreciation Month should reinforce this reality and ensure pharmacy remains embedded as part of the long-term solution for Canadian health care.

Sherif Guorgui Co-CEO, OnPharm United To learn more, visit onpharmunited.ca. This article was sponsored by OnPharm United.

PAC K S U N S C R E E N A N D P R E V E N T I O N :

Start at Your Local Pharmacy Pharmacists help travellers prevent illness abroad with vaccines, medications and expert advice — so vacations are remembered for sunshine, not sickness. Janice Tober

a n a d i a n t r ip s a br o a d totalled 43.3 million in 2025 according to Statistics Canada—undaunted by airline disruptions, weather delays and accommodation mishaps—all in pursuit of sunshine, scenery and cultural immersion. But while travellers may pack for paradise, many don’t pack for prevention. As many as 43 per cent to 79 per cent of travelers to low- and middle-income countries become ill during or after travel based on the US CDC. One of the most common travel-related illnesses? Diarrhea. It’s unpleasant, inconvenient and, sometimes, dangerous. In many cases, it’s also preventable with a little pre-planning that starts at your local pharmacy.

In many tropical and developing regions — including parts of South America, the Caribbean, Africa and Southeast Asia — the culprit is often a strain of bacteria known as Enterotoxigenic E. coli (LT-ETEC). Fortunately, diarrhea during travel is mostly avoidable. “There is an oral vaccine called DUKORAL® that helps protect against LT-ETEC and cholera,” says Remtulla. “It’s available at pharmacies and comes as a sachet and small vial that are mixed with water—no needle required.” Remtulla also recommends speaking in advance with your pharmacist about carrying a standby antibiotic, such as azithromycin or ciprofloxacin, in case severe symptoms develop while abroad.

Your first port of call: the pharmacy

Your pharmacist is your best travel partner

“Diarrhea during travel is most often caused by ingesting food that may have been improperly prepared or handled in an unsanitary facility,” explains pharmacist owner Kumail Remtulla of Everest Whole Health Pharmacy and Everest Travel Clinic. “Symptoms include three or more loose bowel movements accompanied by cramping, nausea, vomiting, and fever.”

Pharmacists have become essential allies for travellers as Canada’s healthcare system continues to evolve. “Pharmacists are now able to assess and treat many common ailments, including skin rash, pink eye, heartburn, allergies and urinary tract infections,” says Remtulla. “This helps patients access care and medications more quickly.”

They also administer vaccinations and provide guidance on preventing other travel-related illnesses such as Hepatitis A and B, chikungunya, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, malaria, and rabies. Importantly, pharmacists can assess appropriate treatments based on a patient’s medical history and current medications and provide pre-travel counseling, including answering travel medicine questions before departure.

Smart habits for sunny destinations In addition to vaccination and preventive medication, Remtulla offers this advice for travellers heading to warmer destinations: 1. Boil it, cook it, peel it—or forget it. 2. Use insect repellent to protect against mosquito-borne illnesses. 3. Ask how food is prepared before ordering, particularly in high-risk regions. With a little foresight—and a conversation at your pharmacy counter—your next getaway can be remembered for its sunsets and scenery, not a week spent confined to your hotel bathroom. After all, the only thing you should be running toward on vacation is the ocean.

Kumail Remtulla Pharmacist & Owner, Everest Whole Health Pharmacy and Everest Travel Clinic

Before you travel (4 to 6 weeks), make a trip to your pharmacist or travel health clinic a part of your predeparture plans to ensure suﬃcient time for vaccinations, preventive medications, and riskreduction planning.

This article was made possible with support from Valneva.

BEFORE THE JOURNEY, CONSIDER DUKORAL. ®

dukoralcanada.com VALNEVA Canada Inc. 600-3535, Saint-Charles Blvd. Kirkland (Montreal), Quebec H9H 5B9

Publisher: Arlene Asika Country Manager: Samantha Taylor Content & Client Success Manager: Nicole Kansakar Creative Director: Kylie Armishaw Digital Traﬃc Manager: Vansh Chandwaney All images are from Getty Images unless otherwise credited. This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve The Toronto Star or its editorial departments. Send all inquiries to ca.editorial@mediaplanet.com.