A commitment to improve procurement and supply chain management was made by members of the public and private sectors following the completion of a two day workshop.

Chief of Drugs and Pharmaceutical Services, Mrs. Gracia Wheatley Smith said the highlight of the workshop was the commitment by persons who attended to adjust their respective work places for improved procurement and supply chain management which would improve medicine availability, enhance workflow, as well as increase the storage capacity and distribution of medicines.

The workshop was organised by the Ministry of Health and Social Development in collaboration with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Pharmaceutical Procurement Service and was held September 8 and 9. It was geared towards improving procurement and supply chain management of medicines and set the foundation for the availability of essential medicines.

Mrs Wheatley-Smith stated, “A presentation on pharmacovigilance strengthened the programme and now with a high degree of sensitisation of both public and private pharmacists and nurses I am convinced that there would be more reporting of adverse drug reactions.”  This, according to Mrs. Wheatley-Smith, should result in the safer use of medicines for the Territory.

The two day workshop enforced principles of formulary management, procurement of supplies, quantification, inventory control, distribution of supplies, medical store management, monitoring and evaluation and effective negotiation skills.   The team also got an opportunity to evaluate Peebles Hospital pharmacy and conduct various group projects. 

Participants included representatives from the Ministry of Finance, BVI Health Services Authority, the Department of Disaster Management and private pharmacies of Qwomar, Vanterpool and Medicure.

A donation of a television and DVD player was also made to Peebles Hospital Pharmacy for the patient waiting area, along with educational DVDs with information on counterfeit medicines, Diabetes Care and the Right Puff.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development is committed to enabling effective use and management of medicines.