Pharmacy Plus PEI program marks three-year anniversary

This month marks the third anniversary of Pharmacy Plus PEI, with 43 per cent of Island residents having used these services and more than 224,000 assessments completed since the program began.

The Pharmacy Plus PEI program supports 49 participating pharmacies in 16 communities across the province to renew eligible prescriptions and assess and prescribe for 35 common ailments and conditions. 

“This program is an essential component of our health care system on Prince Edward Island. With more than 78,000 Island residents having accessed these services, I want to thank local pharmacists for their continued support to providing exceptional care to the people in their communities.”

— Mark McLane, Minister of Health and Wellness

Beginning in January 2026 participating pharmacies will also be able to assess and prescribe for strep throat.

Of the more than 224,000 assessments for 78,000 Island residents since the program began (until Oct. 16 2025) there were:

• Over 145,700 prescription renewal assessments (64.8 per cent)
• Over 16,100 urinary tract infection assessments (7.19 per cent)
• Over 7,200 allergic rhinitis assessments (3.2 per cent)
• Over 5,400 cough assessments (2.4 per cent)
• Over 4,200 nasal congestion assessments (1.87 percent)
• Over 900 contraception assessments (since the expansion in July 2023)

“Local pharmacies are vital in supporting healthy communities across Prince Edward Island. We look forward to continued collaboration with the province as much needed health care services are provided through the PEI Pharmacy Plus program”

— Erin MacKenzie, executive director of the PEI Pharmacy Association

The regional service breakdown is 10 per cent Southern Kings, 4 per cent Eastern Kings, 11 per cent West Prince, 20 per cent East Prince, and 55 per cent Queens. 

Pharmacists have also assisted with the rollout of PEI National Pharmacare. Since launching on May 1, 2025, over 5,000 Islanders have accessed free contraception, saving more than $500,000 in out-of-pocket costs, while over 20,000 people with diabetes have benefited from covered medications and supplies, saving more than $200,000 in out-of-pocket costs. 

Media contact:
Maureen Coulter
Department of Health and Wellness
maureencoulter@gov.pe.ca