Pharmasave in Warman is one of 11 pharmacies that can now test for strep throat as of Friday.

This comes as part of a pilot project the provincial government launched in January that allows for pharmacies to test for ear infections as well as strep throat.

Pharmasave Manager Heather Coleman says that the process to bring the testing to Warman required special training and equipment. Coleman adds that the care patients receive will be of the highest quality.

“Pharmacists taking part in this initiative have invested in specialized training, supplies, and diagnostic equipment to make sure patients receive high quality care. The diagnostic machine provides pharmacists with accurate results within 6 minutes, giving patients and healthcare providers confidence in the diagnosis and the health care provided.”

Coleman says the ability to test for strep throat could save families in the community trips to a walk-in or an emergency room.

“We’ve had very positive uptake in the community. We’re a young community, lots of kids. So when parents are up late at night or in the evening with their children, we are open. So a lot of walk-ins might be closed, or it’s a weekend, so it’s been very positive.”

She adds that the process for the strep throat tests is quick and easy.

“The test is about 6 minutes, we can slot you in, make a time, come down. It’ll take about 15 to 20 minutes to get you through, so call the pharmacy that’s doing it and we can run through the precautions or symptoms.”

The pilot project is part of the provincial government’s efforts to reduce emergency room numbers by allowing pharmacists to prescribe for minor ailments.

The 11 pharmacies that can now test for strep throat will bring the total number of pharmacies that can test for it to 22. 24 other pharmacies in Saskatchewan that are part of the pilot project can only test for ear infections as of yet.