If you've ever waited days for a doctor's appointment over something small, a cold sore, heartburn, a rash, Ontario now has a faster option. Pharmacists can assess 28 minor ailments and, where appropriate, prescribe treatment on the spot. At Grove St Pharmacy, no appointment is needed.
What changed on 1 July 2026
The province expanded the minor-ailment program from 19 to 28 conditions. Nine were added: calluses and corns, mild tension-type headache, head lice, dandruff, ringworm, jock itch, warts (excluding face and genital), viral rhinitis and rhinosinusitis (the common cold and sinus congestion), and dry eye disease.
The full list also includes acne, eczema and other dermatitis, diaper rash, impetigo, insect bites and hives, tick bites (for Lyme disease prevention), pink eye, seasonal allergies, cold sores, canker sores, oral thrush, acid reflux, hemorrhoids, pinworms, uncomplicated urinary tract infections, yeast infections, sprains and strains, menstrual cramps, and nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. The complete list is on our Pharmacy page.
What to bring
- ✓Your valid Ontario health card
- ✓A list of medications and supplements you take
- ✓Any relevant history, when symptoms started and what you've tried
What it costs
With a valid Ontario health card, there is no fee for the pharmacist's assessment. Medication and over-the-counter product costs are separate: your drug plan may cover some or all of a prescription, while any uncovered amount remains your responsibility.
What happens during an assessment
You'll speak privately with the pharmacist, describe your symptoms, and answer a few questions about your health history. From there you may get self-care advice, an over-the-counter recommendation, a prescription, or, if a physician is a better fit, a referral. Because Grove Street Walk-in Clinic is in the same building, that next step is often just a few steps away.
For many everyday concerns, the pharmacy counter is now the front door to care.
Eligibility always depends on the pharmacist's assessment, and an assessment doesn't always end in a prescription. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
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Visit us
Visit us at Grove and Johnson in Barrie
Unit 15, 477 Grove Street East, Barrie, ON L4M 6M3 Parking is available on site.
Pharmacy open daily · Walk-in care available subject to daily capacity · on Grove Street East at Johnson Street