Minor Ailment Care at Sina Pharmacy
Walk-ins are welcome during posted pharmacy hours. A Sina pharmacist can assess eligible minor ailments in person, recommend self-care or a non-prescription product, prescribe an authorized medication when clinically appropriate, or refer you to another healthcare professional when your symptoms need different care.[1][2]
What is a minor ailment assessment?
In British Columbia, a minor ailment is an authorized condition that presents a low risk of masking a more serious problem, can usually be assessed without laboratory testing or medical imaging, and can reasonably be expected to improve with short-term or occasional treatment. The pharmacist must decide whether your particular symptoms fit those limits; the name of a condition alone does not guarantee that pharmacist treatment is appropriate.[3]
B.C. pharmacists who provide this service must complete mandatory regulatory education and follow the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia's prescribing standards. The provincial Minor Ailments and Contraception Service (MACS) has operated since June 1, 2023.[2][4]
Private conversation
The pharmacist asks about your symptoms, when they started, your health history, allergies, pregnancy or breastfeeding when relevant, and the medicines and supplements you use.
Clinical assessment
The pharmacist reviews your PharmaNet profile, considers possible causes and warning signs, and decides whether the concern is within the authorized minor-ailment service.
A care plan
The outcome may be self-care advice, a non-prescription recommendation, a prescription when appropriate, or advice to seek care from another healthcare professional.
Instructions and follow-up
You receive information about how to use the recommended treatment, important side effects or interactions, what improvement to expect, and when to obtain follow-up care.[2]
The 21 minor ailments B.C. pharmacists can assess
The list below uses the official B.C. categories. It is broader than a list of common examples, but each assessment still depends on your symptoms, health history and the pharmacist's professional judgment.[2][5]
Skin and viral concerns
- Mild acne
- Dermatitis, including allergic, atopic, contact, diaper and seborrheic dermatitis
- Fungal infections, including athlete's foot, ringworm, jock itch and some nail infections
- Impetigo
- Hives and itching, including insect bites
- Shingles
Eyes, nose and mouth
- Allergies and hay fever (allergic rhinitis)
- Pink eye (allergic, bacterial or viral conjunctivitis)
- Cold sores (herpes labialis)
- Canker sores (oral ulcers)
- Oral thrush (oropharyngeal candidiasis)
Digestive concerns
- Indigestion or upset stomach (dyspepsia)
- Heartburn or acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
- Hemorrhoids
- Pinworms or threadworms
Pain, urinary and reproductive concerns
- Headache
- Sprains and strains (musculoskeletal pain)
- Menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea)
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infection
- Vaginal yeast infection (vaginal candidiasis)
Nicotine dependence
A pharmacist can assess your tobacco- or nicotine-cessation needs and discuss appropriate treatment options. B.C. coverage rules differ by product and individual circumstances, so ask the pharmacist what is currently covered for you.[1]
Important UTI limitation: B.C.'s pharmacist service covers uncomplicated urinary tract infections. Pregnancy, male urinary symptoms, or signs that the infection may be complicated require assessment by a physician or nurse practitioner.[1]
Plan your visit to Sina Pharmacy
What to bring
- Your BC Services Card or other government-issued identification
- Your Personal Health Number (PHN)
- A current list of prescriptions, non-prescription products and supplements
- Your medication allergies and relevant medical conditions
- When the symptoms started, what makes them better or worse, and what you have already tried
Pharmacists are licensed health professionals, and your health information and consultation are private and confidential.[1]
What does the assessment cost?
The in-person assessment is covered for eligible B.C. residents with a PHN. A fee may apply if the provincial eligibility requirements are not met. Medication costs and dispensing fees are separate and depend on the treatment, your drug coverage and the pharmacy's usual charges.[1][6]
When the pharmacist may recommend other care
A safe assessment sometimes ends without a prescription. The pharmacist may recommend a physician, nurse practitioner, urgent primary care centre, emergency department, laboratory testing or another service when:
- your symptoms do not fit one of the authorized conditions;
- the symptoms are severe, unusual, recurrent, worsening or have continued longer than expected;
- the possible cause cannot be assessed safely without examination, laboratory testing or imaging;
- your age, pregnancy status, medical history, allergies, medicines or previous treatment make the situation more complex; or
- there are warning signs of a more serious condition.
Get urgent help when needed
For severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or seek immediate medical attention. For non-emergency health advice in B.C., call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1. Do not delay urgent care while waiting for a pharmacy assessment.[1][5]
Provincial data show that more than 963,800 MACS assessments were completed for more than 590,500 people between June 1, 2023 and May 31, 2025. Uncomplicated UTIs, conjunctivitis, allergic rhinitis, cold sores and dermatitis were among the most frequently assessed ailments.[7]
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an appointment?
No appointment is required at Sina Pharmacy; walk-ins are welcome during posted pharmacy hours. Because the service requires a pharmacist and an appropriate private area, availability and wait times can vary. You may call ahead at 604-336-7462 ext. 1.
Will the pharmacist always prescribe medication?
No. A prescription is one possible outcome. The pharmacist may instead recommend self-care, a non-prescription product, monitoring, or assessment by another healthcare professional. This is part of providing safe care.[2]
Is the service free?
Can a pharmacist assess any health concern?
No. Pharmacist prescribing for minor ailments is limited to the 21 authorized conditions and to presentations that meet the legal definition of a minor ailment. The pharmacist will refer you when your concern is outside that scope or needs tests, imaging or another level of care.[3]
Speak with a Sina pharmacist
Visit us at 505 Smithe Street in downtown Vancouver or call the pharmacy team for current service availability.
References and official B.C. resources
- HealthLink BC: Pharmacy services in B.C. Patient eligibility, the 21 ailments, privacy, what to bring, costs and self-assessment guidance.
- BC PharmaCare: Minor Ailments and Contraception Service (MACS). Current authorized conditions, assessment process, in-person privacy requirements and pharmacist training.
- College of Pharmacists of British Columbia: What is considered a minor ailment?
- College of Pharmacists of British Columbia: Pharmacist Prescribing for Minor Ailments and Contraception. Regulatory standards and education requirements.
- BC PharmaCare: Minor Ailments and Contraception Service self-assessment guide (PDF).
- BC PharmaCare: Pharmacy services covered by PharmaCare.
- Province of British Columbia: Pharmacists prescribing for minor ailments and contraception—program data.
- BC PharmaCare Policy Manual section 8.14: Minor Ailments and Contraception Service.