Government of Saskatchewan ministries, Crown corporations and organizations are working to minimize the impacts of the postal service disruption.

Les ministères, les sociétés d’État et les organismes du gouvernement de la Saskatchewan travaillent à réduire au minimum les répercussions de l’interruption des services postaux.

Google Translate Disclaimer

A number of pages on the Government of Saskatchewan's website have been professionally translated in French. These translations are identified by a yellow box in the right or left rail that resembles the link below. The home page for French-language content on this site can be found at:

Renseignements en Français

Where an official translation is not available, Google™ Translate can be used. Google™ Translate is a free online language translation service that can translate text and web pages into different languages. Translations are made available to increase access to Government of Saskatchewan content for populations whose first language is not English.

Software-based translations do not approach the fluency of a native speaker or possess the skill of a professional translator. The translation should not be considered exact, and may include incorrect or offensive language. The Government of Saskatchewan does not warrant the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of any information translated by this system. Some files or items cannot be translated, including graphs, photos and other file formats such as portable document formats (PDFs).

Any person or entities that rely on information obtained from the system does so at his or her own risk. Government of Saskatchewan is not responsible for any damage or issues that may possibly result from using translated website content. If you have any questions about Google™ Translate, please visit: Google™ Translate FAQs.

SASKATCHEWAN PHARMACISTS PRESCRIBING EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION

Released on September 2, 2003

Women now have better access to emergency contraception, which can now be prescribed by a pharmacist.

Amendments to The Pharmacy Act proclaimed September 1st, 2003, give pharmacists the legal authority to prescribe this medication. It has been available by prescription from a doctor for some time and women will continue to have that option.

Women who need the drug can contact their local pharmacy or call the toll-free telephone advice HealthLine at 1-877-800-0002 to be referred to a qualified pharmacist. Timely access is important because this medication must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse. Emergency contraception is not effective if a woman is already pregnant.

"Making these changes will improve access to emergency contraception for women," Health Minister John Nilson said. "Making this medication more readily accessible is important because it must be taken quickly to prevent unintended pregnancies."

"Experience in other jurisdictions demonstrates that this new role for pharmacists can provide women with enhanced access to safe and effective emergency contraception. It is also consistent with the role of the pharmacist as a member of the primary care team meeting people's everyday health needs," Saskatchewan Pharmaceutical Association Registrar Ray Joubert said.

Pharmacists who prescribe emergency contraception are required by the Saskatchewan Pharmaceutical Association to take a comprehensive training program. The education gives pharmacists the necessary skills to prescribe the drug.

Pharmacists in Quebec and British Columbia can also prescribe emergency contraception, and other provinces are considering similar legislation.

-30-



For More Information, Contact:

Mark Rathwell
Health
Regina
Phone: (306)787-4083
Cell: (306)537-3593

We need your feedback to improve saskatchewan.ca. Help us improve