Shortage of estrogen patches in B.C. but officials say not to worry
Mar. 5, 2026 — Global News
B.C. health officials say there is a shortage of estrogen patches in the province, but say there are other options available. “I write a lot of prescriptions for menopausal hormone therapy, and there is definitely a shortage of estrogen patches that women are using,” naturopathic doctor Allana Polo told Global News. “So we’ve just had to pivot, and we’ve found some alternatives that women can use while we’re waiting, which work just as well, so there’s other options for sure.” READ MORE
B.C. health minister praises renewed partnership with Alberta
Mar. 5, 2026 — The Cranbrook Townsman
An internal Alberta government decision enabled B.C. based patients in border communities to regain access to scheduled surgery services in the province, according to B.C. Health Minister Josie Osborne. On March 4, the B.C. government announced a renewed partnership with Alberta that will allow B.C. residents who live in places such as the East Kootenay to seek scheduled surgery services in the neighbouring province. In 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Alberta temporarily restricted access to elective surgeries from out-of-province patients in order to relieve the strain on their health care system. READ MORE
Double trouble: New drug on B.C. streets brings hallucinations, vomiting, ICU after overdose
Mar. 2, 2026 — CTV News
For months, British Columbia’s health officials have been issuing warnings about a new street drug that’s sent overdose calls soaring, but the risk of withdrawal hasn’t been well understood. The animal tranquilizer, medetomidine, has been found mixed with the opioid fentanyl in up to half of the drugs tested by the B.C. Centre for Substance Use. It’s that combination, increasingly found across Canada, that makes the situation so challenging and increasingly life-threatening. READ MORE
Number of Ontarians taking stimulants more than doubled after pandemic, study finds
Mar. 9, 2026 — The Globe and Mail
Monday in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, showed that more than 220,000 adults in Ontario filled a new prescription for a stimulant such as Vyvanse or Concerta in the four years after March, 2020, up from about 107,000 in the four years beforehand.when health care facilities all but shut down to non-COVID-19 patients, but rose soon thereafter. The increase was driven primarily by women, who made up 59 per cent of new adult stimulant-takers in the period after the virus struck, compared to 48 per cent in the earlier period. “We don’t often see this rapid of a growth in a drug class, especially one that has been around for so long,” said study author Mina Tadrous, a pharmacist and drug policy researcher at the University of Toronto. READ MORE
Canadian company seeks to stand out with domestically-made generic Ozempic
Mar. 8, 2026 — CBC News
A newly-formed Canadian pharmaceutical company is vying to break into the market with a generic version of one of the most well-known prescription drugs in the world: Ozempic. “You could say we’re betting everything on this one drug,” said David Suchon, co-founder of Toronto-based Vimy Pharma. The company’s endeavour highlights domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities at a time of geopolitical uncertainties and tariff turmoil. READ MORE
Ottawa announces $5.4M for 5 sexual and reproductive health organizations
Mar. 6, 2026 — CBC News
The federal government announced over $5.4 million in funding for five projects by reproductive and sexual health organizations. According to Health Canada, the projects aim to "improve access for women and underserved communities to sexual and reproductive health services across Canada." The funding will be provided through Health Canada's sexual and reproductive health fund, which supports "community-based organizations that improve access to abortion and other [sexual and reproductive health] care for underserved communities." READ MORE
Northern Health warns of potential measles exposure at Montney church
Mar. 6, 2026 — CJDC-TV News
Northern Health is advising residents of the Fort St. John and Montney area of a potential measles exposure. Health officials say the potential exposure happened on January 22 at the Montney Mennonite Church located on 12537 256 Road. READ MORE