Empower Clinics Inc. (CSE:CBDT, OTCQB:EPWCF) said its subsidiary Medisure has launched a rapid Vitamin D test kit, the first Health Canada-approved at-home testing solution, with sales to begin next month.
"The launch and pre-sales of this Vitamin D at-home testing solution is a perfect execution of our vision of being a leading integrated healthcare company," Steven McAuley, chairman and CEO of Empower Clinics said in a statement.
"We co-created this product in partnership with pharmacies, who in turn, placed advance orders. We maximized internal synergies by distributing this Medisure product to our The Medi-Collective (TMC) clinics. And we are delivering on our commitment to continually offer convenient, accessible and integrated healthcare solutions - online, in our TMC clinics or in our partner pharmacies - to patients across Canada," McAuley added.
READ: Empower Clinics set for ribbon cutting and open house when it opens eighth TMC clinic in Greater Toronto area
Studies have shown disturbing evidence of widespread vitamin D deficiency in many population groups, particularly within nations at high latitudes with limited sunlight like Canada, Empower Clinics said, noting recent studies in scientific literature associating vitamin D deficiency with an increase in morbidity and mortality.
"Many Canadians suffer from high levels of Vitamin D deficiency. It's a well-known and strong underlying contributor to many other medical conditions,” said Mario Cortis, president of MediSure. “That's why I am so proud of the MediSure team for being a Canadian first to launch a Health Canada Licensed at-home Vitamin D Rapid Testing Kit.”
"Canadians can now conveniently, accurately and quickly test their own Vitamin D levels at home and then plan a strategy with their pharmacist to increase their Vitamin D levels," Cortis added.
The MediSure Vitamin D Rapid Test Kits will be available at PharmaChoice, Canada's fastest-growing pharmacy with more than 800 stores, across the country beginning in May 2022.
Meanwhile, Curtis Chafe, director of Pharmacy Services at PharmaChoice said: "We are excited that Vitamin D self-testing is finally available for patients. Using this tool will help many Canadians identify vitamin D deficiency, and with guidance from our pharmacists, they can receive treatment efficiently and safely."
The product will also be available for sale here, at The Medi-Collective clinics, and at participating pharmacies in Canada.
Empower Clinics is an integrated healthcare company that provides body and mind wellness for patients through its clinics, with digital and telemedicine care, a medical device company and world-class medical diagnostics laboratories.
Contact the author at jon.hopkins@proactiveinvestors.com