Here at CCHAP we know that Healthcare is constantly evolving. New technologies like AI are changing how care is delivered, pharmacists are taking on greater responsibilities (exciting news!), and countries around the world are searching for solutions to ongoing workforce shortages. Each month we are summarizing some of the biggest stories you need to keep an eye on!
Updated July 22, 2026.
1. Ontario expands the role of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians
Beginning July 1, 2026, Ontario pharmacists gained the authority to assess and prescribe for nine additional minor ailments, including dry eye, head lice, mild headaches, nasal congestion, ringworm and warts. Pharmacy technicians who meet specific training requirements can also administer a wider range of vaccines.
The changes reflect the growing role of pharmacy professionals in frontline patient care while creating new opportunities for trained pharmacy technicians and assistants. It’s BIG news for the future of pharmacy.
2. Canada approves its first generic semaglutide for weight loss
Health Canada has authorized Sevmia, the country’s first generic semaglutide injection specifically approved for chronic weight management. The medication is a generic version of Wegovy and is intended for patients aged 12 and older when combined with changes to diet and physical activity.
Because generic medications are often less expensive than their brand-name equivalents, the approval could eventually improve affordability for patients and reduce costs within the healthcare system.
3. Portugal joins an international healthcare AI network
Portugal has become the first European Union member to join HealthAI’s Global Regulatory Network. The network gives participating countries access to information about regulator-reviewed healthcare AI tools and a real-time system for reporting potentially harmful incidents.
As hospitals and clinics adopt more AI-powered technology, professionals will increasingly need to understand not only how to use these systems, but also how to recognize their risks, limitations and ethical implications.
4. Africa is training more healthcare workers, but many remain unemployed
A new World Health Organization report found that Africa’s healthcare workforce grew from 4.3 million workers in 2018 to 5.72 million in 2024. However, the region still has only 46% of the healthcare workers it requires.
Perhaps most surprisingly, approximately 943,000 trained healthcare workers were unemployed in 2024, even while hospitals and communities remained understaffed. The findings show that training more workers is only one part of the solution. Governments must also be able to fund positions, distribute professionals effectively and encourage workers to remain in underserved communities.
5. European health leaders call for safer nurse staffing
The World Health Organization’s European office has warned that inadequate nurse staffing can harm patients while contributing to stress, burnout and workers leaving the profession. Nurses represent approximately 56% of the healthcare workforce in the region, making their retention essential to the stability of healthcare systems.
The report calls for better workforce planning, improved mental health support, stronger investment and staffing decisions based on evidence rather than short-term pressures.
6. Global cancer cases could rise significantly by 2050
A major WHO report warns that annual cancer cases could rise from approximately 20.6 million to nearly 35 million by 2050. While cancer treatments continue to advance, patients in lower-income countries often have far less access to screening, essential medications, radiation therapy and palliative care.
The growing number of patients will create demand across many healthcare professions, including nursing, medical laboratory science, pharmacy, diagnostic imaging and personal support services.
7. Younger midwives are leaving England’s NHS
New figures show that 1,669 midwives aged 34 or younger left England’s National Health Service during 2025–26. That represents 57% of all midwives who resigned during the year.
Heavy workloads, missed breaks, unpaid hours and concerns about patient safety are among the pressures contributing to burnout. The story is an important reminder that healthcare recruitment must be accompanied by mentorship, professional development and working conditions that allow people to build sustainable careers.
8. China’s pharmaceutical licensing activity reaches a record high
The value of licensing agreements involving innovative drugs developed in China reached approximately US$110 billion during the first half of 2026. The agreements covered treatments being developed in areas such as oncology, neurology, immunology and metabolic health.
9. Changes to U.S. pharmacy benefit practices could reduce medication costs
CVS Health’s Caremark reached a settlement with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission that will change some of its pharmacy benefit management practices. The company agreed to increase pricing transparency, move toward fee-based compensation and cap out-of-pocket insulin costs at US$25 per month for affected plans.
Although the American system differs from Canada’s, the story highlights a worldwide concern: ensuring that patients can understand and afford the medications they need.
10. Shorter healthcare programs may lead to in-demand Canadian careers
A Canadian immigration analysis identified six priority healthcare occupations that may require two years of college education or less. These include medical laboratory assistants, nurse aides, paramedical workers, pharmacy assistants and pharmacy technicians.
Training requirements vary by occupation and province, and regulated professions may require licensing, practical placements or examinations. Nevertheless, we are seeing that entering healthcare does not always require spending many years in university. If you’re interested in starting your healthcare journey, you can talk to one of our Academic Advisors here.