For many First Nations communities in rural and remote parts of BC, picking up a prescription or speaking with a pharmacist can mean hours of travel. Geographic distance, combined with longstanding barriers to equitable access to healthcare, can make it harder to access timely medications, pharmacy advice and ongoing care, adding stress and increasing the risk of poorer health outcomes.

To help address this challenge, the First Nations Health Foundation (FNHF) and First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), with funding support from the Pacific Blue Cross Health Foundation, are leading a new feasibility study. The study will explore whether virtual pharmacy kiosks, placed in local community health centres, could bring pharmacy services closer to home for First Nations communities across British Columbia.

Exploring a new model of pharmacy care

Virtual pharmacy kiosks have the potential to provide community members with access to essential medications while connecting them with licensed pharmacists through secure, real-time virtual consultations—all without leaving their community.  

The feasibility study will assess whether, where and how this model could support communities where pharmacy access is currently limited, recognizing that community needs and priorities differ across BC.

Understanding what communities need 

The study will examine a range of considerations, including community readiness, technology and infrastructure requirements, privacy and security, operational feasibility, and culturally safe service delivery.
Most importantly, the work will be guided by First Nations communities themselves. Through engagement with participating communities, the study will explore local priorities, needs, and perspectives to help determine how virtual pharmacy services could best support community health and wellbeing.
Findings from the study will inform whether the initiative is ready to move into a future pilot project in communities that choose to participate.

”We are grateful to the Pacific Blue Cross Health Foundation Board for seeing and investing in the potential of this initiative,” says Nathania Fung, CEO of the First Nations Health Foundation. “First Nations-led innovations like this will transform health and wellness for generations to come.”

Shared commitment to supporting health and wellbeing

"No one should have to drive half a day to fill a prescription or ask a pharmacist a simple question,” says Janet Andrews, Chair of the Pacific Blue Cross Health Foundation Board. “Care should meet people where they live. We're honoured to support the First Nations Health Foundation as it explores First Nations-led, community-driven solutions to improve pharmacy access for communities across rural and remote BC."

This feasibility study marks an important first step toward expanding access to pharmacy services in rural and remote areas across British Columbia. By exploring innovative approaches designed with and led by First Nations communities, the project has the potential to improve health outcomes while helping shape more equitable access to care in the future.

Learn more:

• Learn about the First Nations Health Foundation and its work.
• Discover how the Pacific Blue Cross Health Foundation supports innovative, community-led health initiatives across BC.