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Last Updated: Feb 6, 2017 - 2:32:04 PM |
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NASSAU, The Bahamas
--- The employment and deployment of 14 Bahamian graduates of the
College of The Bahamas/University of Technology (Jamaica) Bachelor of
Science degree (Pharmacy) Programme within the public healthcare system
is expected to have an almost immediate impact on local healthcare, once
the graduates complete the practical internship required for licensing
as registered pharmacists.
The 14 are currently participating in the 2,000 hours of practical internship required for licensing as registered pharmacists.
Minister
of Health, Dr. the Hon. Perry M. Gomez, said the pharmacists will be
employed and deployed throughout various sectors of the healthcare
system upon receiving their designations, which should have immediate
affect on a number of areas.
These
include an expansion of the hours clients accessing services at the
country’s public clinics will be able to fulfil prescriptions at those
clinics, strengthening the antiretroviral pharmacy at the HIV/AIDS Unit,
improving services at Her Majesty’s Prisons, Fox Hill, reducing the
waiting times for filling prescriptions and reducing or eliminating the
shortage of supplies.
“For
a number of years, clients visiting public healthcare facilities have
complained about the long wait for drugs and the availability of
supplies. I have already informed that help is on the way and that the
14 Bahamian pharmacists trained by the Government of The Bahamas will
relieve this situation soon,” Dr. Gomez said.
“Soon,
clients accessing services at public health clinics will be able to
receive medication up to 9 at nights. (Furthermore) a much-needed
pharmacist has been earmarked to strengthen the antiretroviral pharmacy
in the HIV/AIDS Unit,” Dr. Gomez added.
The
Unit supplies medication to 2,146 persons with 35 prescriptions filled
per day at the centre and another 65-70 filled once per week at the
Infectious Disease Clinic. The pharmacy currently operates with nurses
functioning as pharmacists.
The
Health Minister said the training and employment of the new healthcare
workers will also allow for more counselling for clients on multiple
drug therapies.
“Their
presence will reduce the likelihood of non-compliance, thereby
assisting in reducing secondary complications, while reducing or
eliminating the shortage of supplies,” Dr. Gomez added.
Dr.
Gomez said the public pharmacy profession is expected to get another
boost in with the graduation of 10 students currently enrolled in the
programme. The group, which commenced its training at the College of The
Bahamas in 2010, will begin its third year this fall at the University
of Technology, Jamaica, under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Health.
“Both
cohorts of pharmacists will play a critical role in the re-engineering
of systems for financing the delivery of healthcare, particularly the
National Health Insurance Plan,” Dr. Gomez said.
“Also
this fall, the Ministry of Health will commence sponsorship of a third
group of students in the Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy Programme at
the College of The Bahamas in collaboration with the University of
Technology, Jamaica,” Dr. Gomez added.
© Copyright 2012 by thebahamasweekly.com
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