Chief of Drugs and Pharmaceutical Services, Mrs. Gracia Wheatley Smith is urging residents to have a sufficient supply of medication supply as the Territory enters the peak of the hurricane season.

Mrs. Wheatley Smith said individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and asthma should ensure that they have at least a month’s supply of medication at home to be adequately prepared for a storm impact.

“Sometimes, based on the forecast of the storms, there may not be sufficient time to go to the pharmacy and have medication prescriptions filled,” Mrs. Wheatley-Smith said. She added, “Weather conditions may deteriorate quickly causing early closure of pharmacies or impassable roads. That is why it is imperative for persons with chronic conditions to be adequately prepared as we enter the peak of the hurricane season.”    

The Chief of Drugs is also advising parents to ensure that they have medications for pain and fever for their children should they be needed when seeking medical care is not feasible.  “In preparing we also have to make sure that we think about the children and their medical and pharmaceutical needs and ensure they are adequately prepared as well,” she said.

 Residents are also advised to ensure that medicines are properly stored to maintain their therapeutic effect, while ensuring that they are out of the reach of children and pets thereby preventing accidental ingestion. 

The Ministry of Health and Social Development is committed to improving the health of the people of the Virgin Islands.