Health care and social services are consistently among the top three most important issues for British Columbians, according to a new survey commissioned by the BC Pharmacy Association.
The survey, which polled 801 B.C. residents from July 11 to 18, 2025, also found that British Columbians were extremely satisfied with the level of service offered by their community pharmacists.
Here are the numbers:
- 57.2 per cent of British Columbians rated the level of service from their community pharmacist as 4/5 or 5/5, just behind family doctors at 61.2 per cent, versus nurse practitioners at 33.3 per cent, walk-in clinic doctors at 27.7 per cent, and naturopathic doctors at 13.6 per cent.
- 40.2 per cent of British Columbians have seen their pharmacist for a minor ailment consult, contraceptive prescription or both, since the new service launched in 2023.
- 60.8 per cent said they chose to visit a pharmacist for a minor ailment consult or contraception prescription because of convenience.
- 81.9 per cent said they would support pharmacists being able to offer additional services such as treating strep throat and prescribing for stable medical conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.
- 86.2 per cent said pharmacists can help reduce pressure on family doctors, walk-in clinics and hospital emergency rooms.
- 28.6 per cent said the B.C. government’s top priority should be investing in health care, just behind investing in housing availability and cost at 31.6 per cent.