News + Announcements

Important Information and Resources for Patients of Dr. Karim Dharssi

Oct 23, 2026

Important Information and Resources for Patients of Dr. Karim Dharssi

We recognize that the sudden passing of local family physician, Dr. Karim Dharssi may have left you feeling uncertain about what comes next. We are currently exploring options to transfer Dr. Dharssi’s practice to a different family physician or team of family physicians. You may have questions about how to access care in the meantime. Please know that teams across our community are working hard to ensure you have options for care and support during this time.

Accessing care in the meantime

There are options available to help you access healthcare when you need it:

Central Region Virtual Urgent Care Clinic

Available to patients who require timely access to a nurse practitioner for urgent, non-life-threatening conditions that can be addressed virtually.
Hours: 1 pm to 9 pm, 7 days a week, including holidays
Online booking only at www.virtualcareclinic.ca

Children & Teen’s Clinic

For patients up to 18 years old
Locations in Orillia and Oro-Medonte
For hours, locations, and to book an appointment, visit www.huronianplc.ca/children-teens-clinic

Orillia Midwives

Early pregnancy care, abortion services, STI testing and treatment.
Hours: Mon – Thurs 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Call 705-326-0000 or visit www.orilliamidwives.com for a full list of services

Local Pharmacies

Ontario pharmacists can now assess and treat 28 minor ailments.
Visit your local pharmacy or www.ontario.ca/page/pharmacies

Couchiching Pharmacy

101–300 Peter St N, Orillia
Virtual stand-by doctors can assess patients, send lab requisitions, refill prescriptions, and more.
Walk-in appointments are available, or appointments can be scheduled online at https://couchichingpharmacy.com/
Hours: Mon – Fri 9 am – 6 pm

COHT Unattached Clinic at the Couchiching Family Health Team

This is not a walk-in clinic. Appointments are required.
119 Memorial Avenue, Suite 103, Orillia
Hours: Mon – Thurs 8:30 am – 4 pm, Fri 8:30 am – 3 pm
Call 705-329-3649 ext. 231 to book an appointment.

Local Walk-In Clinics

Clinic hours and services vary by location.
Please contact clinics directly for current availability and care options.

Prescription renewals

If you need a prescription renewal for stable, chronic medications, your local pharmacy may be able to extend your existing prescription, depending on the medication and your individual circumstances. We encourage you to contact your pharmacist to discuss your options.

For controlled substances, please get in touch with the Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinic at 705-797-3095 or 1-833-797-3095.

For additional options, please see the attached document or click the link for Supports for Opioid and Pain Medication Needs in Orillia and Area.

Test Results

If you are awaiting critical test results, you will be contacted by a team member as soon as possible.
Some individual test results are available at:

Forms

There will be a temporary delay in completing forms. We appreciate your patience. We will advise on next steps as soon as possible.

Mental health and emotional support

An unexpected loss can bring a range of emotions, and support is available if you or a family member is struggling. You do not have to navigate this alone.
For information about available supports and services, please visit I Am Looking for Mental Health & Addictions Support – Couchiching Ontario Health Team. We understand that this is a difficult and uncertain time, and we recognize the importance of having access to care you can rely on.

PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS:

Karim Dharssi Medical Professional Corporation
Couchiching Family Health Team
Couchiching Ontario Health Team
Couchiching Primary Care Network
Couchiching Pharmacy Community of Practice
Huronia Nurse Practitioner Led Clinic
Orillia Family Health Organization
Orillia & Lake Country Physician Recruitment
Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital

Respecting Privacy

During this time, we ask that you keep Dr. Dharssi’s family and colleagues in your thoughts and respect their privacy as they grieve this unexpected loss.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as our community works through this transition together.