Across Canada, millions of people live or work in areas where timely access to medical care isn't guaranteed. Rural hospitals, Indigenous communities, and remote northern regions face persistent challenges, including limited diagnostic tools, staffing shortages, and reduced access to infectious disease specialists²,³.

These gaps in care create a dual risk: dangerous delays in treatment and a higher likelihood of inappropriate antibiotic use, both of which contribute to the spread of antimicrobial resistance. Structural factors - such as overcrowded housing and lack of clean water - further increase infection risks in underserved populations, including higher rates of MRSA², a hard-to-treat bacterial infection that’s resistant to many common antibiotics.

But the consequences of delay extend beyond resistance. When bacterial infections go untreated, they can escalate rapidly - causing serious complications, hospitalizations, or even death. By the time care is available, patients may require more intensive interventions. In this way, the lack of access becomes a hidden driver of poor outcomes and long-term public health threats.

Consider the case of a 38-year-old man with no conditions/morbidities living in a remote Northern BC community. One evening, he begins experiencing symptoms of a likely bacterial respiratory infection - fever, shortness of breath, and a worsening cough. With the local clinic closed for the weekend and the nearest hospital over three hours away, his options for timely care are limited.

Fortunately, he has a Prepare Medical Emergency Kit.

Using the symptom guidance included in the kit, he initiates a telehealth consultation with a licensed Canadian physician. After a virtual assessment, the physician advises him to begin treatment with one of the medications provided. Within a few days, his condition stabilizes, and he makes a full recovery at home - without the need for emergency transport or hospitalization.

Without the kit, this situation could have played out very differently. A delay of several days might have allowed the infection to progress, requiring more intensive treatment, a hospital stay, or worse. For patients living far from care, timely access isn’t a convenience - it’s a lifeline.

At Prepare Medical, we believe Canadians shouldn’t have to choose between being prepared and being responsible. Our Emergency Medication Kits are tailored for use in remote, emergency, or travel situations, where access to care is compromised - not for everyday use.

We are aligned with Canadian antimicrobial stewardship best practices⁶ and make sure to include: 

• Clear, condition-specific usage guidance
• Access to telehealth consultations with Canadian-licensed physicians
• Educational resources and online material on completing full antibiotic courses
• Proper medication storage and disposal instructions
  

This model directly supports the goals outlined in the Pan-Canadian Action Plan on AMR (2023–2027), which prioritizes stewardship, equitable access, infection prevention, and innovation in how antimicrobials are distributed⁴,⁵. It also aligns with Canada’s broader public health and research agenda, where AMR has been identified by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) as a key focus area⁷.

The risk of untreated bacterial infections, especially in underserved parts of Canada, is a significant concern. A balanced strategy that addresses antibiotic stewardship is needed: one that promotes access to timely treatment while ensuring antibiotics are used appropriately.

Federal initiatives like the Antimicrobial Economic Incentives Pilot Project are already working to secure access to new antimicrobials while embedding stewardship principles into procurement and prescribing practices⁴. At Prepare Medical, we support these efforts by ensuring our customers are equipped, informed, and guided by expert care- even in the most isolated settings.