Many areas of Nova Scotia are suffering from a lack of family doctors. From Yarmouth, to Amherst to Sydney, Nova Scotians are waiting on a list to receive a family physician. Here is your opportunity to see a doctor for free and even get a prescription. It doesn’t have to be COVID-19 related.

Shoppers Drug Mart, in partnership with Maple, has launched a virtual care service for patients to help relieve the current burden on the acute healthcare system, specifically emergency rooms and hospitals. Where virtual care is not funded by provincial governments, Shoppers Drug Mart will fund online physician consults at no cost to patients, providing access to care while following public health guidelines. The service will be available at no cost 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. until March 23, 2020 in an effort to help flatten the COVID-19 curve.

The service will be available nationwide by visiting www.shoppersdrugmart.ca. The virtual primary care visits will include diagnosing minor ailments and providing prescriptions for those who are unable to get access to a physician. The service allows Canadians to connect with a physician using a smart phone, tablet or computer. Consultations can be done through an app or website, by text, video or audio chat.

“At Shoppers Drug Mart our primary goal is to help Canadians live life well and that matters now more than ever. In an effort to help flatten the curve, we’re doing everything we can to support Canadians while encouraging social distancing,” said Jeff Leger, President, Shoppers Drug Mart. “Through this partnership, we are removing the barrier to virtual access to physicians, providing safer access to care for both patients and physicians.”

“There has never been a greater need for this type of service than right now,” says Dr. Brett Belchetz, CEO of Maple and a practicing ER physician. “This partnership with Shoppers Drug Mart will help ensure Canadians are armed with the tools they need to remain safe and healthy during this time.”