Montreal, Canada – The Canadian Press just underscored how critical pharmacies are to the healthcare fabric. With good reason, as this topic has forced itself to the forefront of all things Canadian. Currently, the agency’s coverage is limited only to prescription drugs that can only be purchased with an order from a doctor. Beyond that, it provides important information on how Canadians use their pharmacies.
Ryan Remiorz, award-winning photographer for The Canadian Press, produces powerful images. His practice brings to life the everyday work realities that play out inside pharmacies across Montreal. His work illustrates not only the transactions that occur but the interactions between pharmacists and patients seeking essential medications.
As trusted community health partners, pharmacies have always been important access points for prescription drugs, but have never been more critical in protecting public health. For millions of Americans, they are the very first point of contact for people in search of medical care. This value-added role is critical in major urban centers such as Montreal, where reducing barriers to access can improve patient care and outcomes in spades.
To improve this experience for patients, we need to better understand how patients are learning to find their pharmaceutical needs. Remiorz’s photographs tell many different stories. From patients talking about their prescriptions with community pharmacists to the hustle and bustle inside big city pharmacies. These photos remind us that healthcare is a deeply human endeavor. They serve to highlight the trust and reliance that consumers place in their local pharmacists.
As discussions around healthcare reform continue, including potential expansions to universal pharmacare programs, the role of pharmacies remains central to these conversations. Canadians are responding to the calls for accessible, affordable prescriptions—the signs are clear that people across this country want a more equitable healthcare landscape.
