Jamaica government spending millions on drugs

First batch of drugs expected to arrive within a month with service levels at hospitals for chronic illnesses and critical items now at 88 per cent.

KINGSTON, Jamaica, Friday March 16, 2012 – Government is looking to spend $3.08 million for a two-year supply of medication including drugs for chronic illnesses like hypertension.

This announcement was made by Minister with responsibility for Information, Senator Sandrea Falconer, who also pointed out that the 28 contracts were all endorsed by the Ministry of Finance and Planning, and the National Contracts Commission.

Director of the Pharmaceutical Division, National Health Fund, Marcia Chin See said the local and international contracts will see government saving a whopping $330 million.

She explained that they covered 690 items including branded and generic drugs for government hospitals and health centres, and included drugs for diseases such as diabetes, asthma and other chronic illnesses.

Mrs. Chin See noted that there were problems in the past with some drugs no longer being manufactured by traditional suppliers, forcing the Division to find alternative ways of sourcing the drugs.

She added the first batch of drugs was expected to arrive within a month, especially with service levels at hospitals for chronic illnesses and critical items now at 88 per cent. Click here to receive free news bulletins via email from Caribbean360. (View sample)