Minister of Health and Wellness, Ian Gooding-Edghill, has given the assurance that his Ministry will make policy and legislative reforms to improve the plight of pharmacists.
He was speaking at a luncheon held by the Barbados Pharmaceutical Society on Sunday, at the Hilton Barbados, Needham’s Point, St. Michael, to mark the start of Pharmacy week which runs from August 14 to 21.
The Health Minister said he would be inviting members of the Society to a meeting later this month not only to hear their views and understand the challenges pharmacists face, but also to listen to what legislative changes they believe are needed to modernise the 1970 Health Services Regulations (Control of Drugs).
He further noted that a review of the legislation was timely and in keeping with the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ mandate of modernising health legislation.
Mr. Gooding-Edghill told those gathered at the Hilton Barbados there was an urgent need for pharmacists to transition from merely “dispensing” medication as a priority, to that of Medication Therapy Management, in order to improve national health outcomes.
“Among areas worthy of consideration is the possibility of the pharmacist and pharmacy only classifications.… I take pride if only to pause to assure you that my Ministry will continue to make the requisite policy and legislative reforms to improve your plight as pharmacists as you continue to make an invaluable contribution across the continuum of an effective health care regime in Barbados.
“Let me also assure you that the Ministry of Health and Wellness will be seeking to increase the number of drug inspectors who, as you know, are so vital to surveillance and the protection of public health,” he said.
While emphasising that pharmacists held a reputation among the populace as trusted professionals, Minister Gooding-Edghill suggested that they leverage their position to become “change agents” within communities by finding creative ways to help people manage non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
He added that they could use that “high level of trust” in communities to assist with vaccination drives or even glucose testing and monitoring.
Mr. Gooding-Edghill noted that given the high prevalence of NCDs and their adverse impact on health care cost as well as national productivity, pharmacists were well placed to assist with the national NCD drive, nutrition and “what medicines help and don’t help with foods”.
“To this end, an invitation will be extended to your Society to give meaningful participation in our national NCD stakeholders meeting on the reduction of salt and sugar intake [which will be held] in September, as we tackle this national challenge, as every effort is made to promote a healthier, happier, and more productive Barbados,” the Minister shared, adding that the Society should consider sponsoring a national give-back programme within the communities where its members serve and operate.
He also lauded the Barbados Community College for its role in training pharmacists and moving from the Associate Degree in pharmacy studies to a Bachelor of Science degree. He said students after graduating were employed as pharmacists, medical representatives and teachers and became entrepreneurs and professionals.
The Health Minister encouraged younger pharmacists to pursue exciting areas such as research to help strengthen Barbados’ capacity, “especially in nutraceuticals”.
“Nutraceutical pharmaceuticals (plants, vitamins, herbs, etc.), through indigenous manufacturing, is but one example of an untapped but exciting investment opportunity for Barbados and the region. This research capacity could propel what I refer to as exciting investment opportunities. Pharmacy is a dynamic science, and you must remain self-motivated,” he underscored.