OPA Chair Hitesh Pandya and CEO Justin Bates on Advocacy, Funding, and Expanding Pharmacy Scope

In this live episode of The Pharmacists Are In, recorded at Pharmacy U Toronto, hosts Dr. John Papastergiou and Ajit Johal sit down with Hitesh Pandya, Chair of the Ontario Pharmacists Association, and Justin Bates, CEO of OPA, for an inside look at the forces shaping pharmacy practice in Ontario.

From Queen’s Park advocacy to real-world pharmacy operations, the conversation explores the critical challenges facing the profession - including chronic underfunding, the push for expanded scope of practice, and the complexities of implementing new services like point-of-care testing, vaccinations, and chronic disease management.

The group also dives into the realities behind government decision-making, reimbursement models, and why sustainability must come before expansion. With insights on patient expectations, primary care gaps, and the evolving role of pharmacists as healthcare hubs, this episode offers a candid and timely perspective on where pharmacy is headed - and what it will take to get there.

Whether you're a frontline pharmacist, owner, or industry stakeholder, this is a must-listen on the future of pharmacy in Canada.

We are grateful to RxLaw for their support of this episode, helping to advance the knowledge and professional development of pharmacists. With a team that combines legal expertise and firsthand healthcare experience, RxLaw offers practical, informed guidance that reflects the realities of clinical practice.Their commitment to supporting healthcare professionals and navigating complex regulatory environments helps strengthen the profession and promote high standards of care.