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Pharmacists prescribing for minor ailments and contraception - data

Last updated on September 20, 2024

The Minor Ailments and Contraception Service (MACS) was launched on June 1, 2023. The Ministry extends its appreciation to pharmacists for the ongoing success of MACS and pharmacists prescribing. For more information, refer to Pharmacist scope of practice.

The following monitoring data demonstrates the uptake of MACS in the first year between June 1, 2023, and May 31, 2024. To view an infographic overview, visit Pharmacists Prescribing for Minor Ailments and Contraception (PPMAC) 1 year overview (PDF, 188KB).

Between June 1, 2023 and May 31, 2024:

  • Over 431,000 MACS were conducted
  • More than 312,000 patients received MACS
  • More than 1,400 pharmacies provided MACS (92% of community pharmacies*)
  • Over 4,000 pharmacists provided MACS, which is approximately 61% of licensed B.C. pharmacists, or 77% of active community pharmacists*

*Submitted at least 1 PharmaCare claim in the previous year

Greatest number of MACS assessments
Assessment % of services
Contraception 20
Urinary tract infection (uncomplicated) 20
Conjunctivitis 9
Allergic rhinitis 7
Herpes labialis (cold sore) 6
Dermatitis 6

The Ministry of Health has developed a comprehensive evaluation plan and is working with partners to evaluate the impact of pharmacists assessing and prescribing through MACS.

Refer to PPMAC evaluation framework (PDF, 97KB) for an overview of the evaluation plan. 

The goals of the MACS evaluation are to:

  • Assess and quantify participation by patients, pharmacists and pharmacies
  • Determine if pharmacists assessing and prescribing for minor ailments and contraception: 
    • improves access to treatment
    • improves quality of care for patients
    • improves the efficiency of health care delivery
    • promotes fairness and equity in accessing health care
  • Identify factors that facilitate or hinder patient access to this care
  • Describe the experiences of patients and health care providers who access the program
  • Identify and use quality measures to make improvements to the program

As part of the evaluation plan, pharmacists and members of the public may be invited to participate in surveys. All perspectives are valued and will help the Ministry improve the program. 

Check this page for ongoing updates as new data becomes available.

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