By Sue-Ann Wayow
HEALTH Minister Dr Lackram Bodoe has met with key stakeholders in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors to discuss outstanding recent issues in the public domain.
A media release from the ministry on Thursday stated that the meeting was to chart a unified way forward.
The meeting was held at the ministry’s headquarters on Queen’s Park East, Port of Spain.
It was attended by representatives of the Medical Board of Trinidad and Tobago, the Pharmacy Board of Trinidad and Tobago, the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce and technical officers from the Ministry of Health.
“In recognising the vital roles these institutions play in safeguarding the health of the population, Minister Bodoe
facilitated constructive dialogue aimed at restoring trust and enhancing professional collaboration,” the release stated.
According to the release, following discussions, all parties agreed to strengthen inter-sector relations and commit to the continuous delivery of safe, effective and affordable healthcare services to the public.
The Ministry of Health commended all stakeholders for their commitment to patient-centred care and reaffirmed its role in promoting unity and accountability across the health system.
Last month, the Pharmacy Board rejected a request from the T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce to allow pharmaceutical distributors 90 days to “explore compliance options”, following the board’s issuance of cease-and-desist letters to distributors accused of illegally selling medication to patients.
It is alleged that some doctors were sending patients direct to pharmaceutical distributors to purchase prescription drugs instead of pharmacies, prompting the Pharmacy Board to issue notices to pharmaceutical wholesalers, directors, pharmacists and distributors.
On Monday, at a public political meeting, Dr Bodoe said a review of the Ministry of Health’s Chronic Disease Assistance Programme (CDAP) was completed and recommendations were being considered by Cabinet.
This means that the programme which provides free prescription drugs for citizens with chronic illnesses, would be upgraded with new drugs and more pharmacies will be able to participate in the CDAP programme.
The ministry stated that a joint statement from the boards and chamber was also expected soon.
