Bahamian citizens battling non-communicable diseases, such as cancer and high blood pressure, could soon see significant reductions in the price of pre scri ption drugs, as the government inches closer to implementing the National Chronic Disease Management Pre scri ption Drug Plan (NCDMPDP).


Health Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis told the Journal Thursday that the draft for the proposed drug plan has been completed and will go before Cabinet for consideration very soon.

"I expect to take it to Cabinet in short order with a view to getting it approved," he said.

The plan is similar to the former government?s proposed National Health Insurance Scheme, which the current administration has said was not comprehensive enough to address the nation?s healthcare challenges.

According Philip Gray, president of the Bahamas Pharmaceutical Association, the government?s current plan would cover all Bahamian citizens who are legally employed.

Persons eligible for the plan, he said, would have monies deducted from their salaries as is the case with National Insurance.

In addition to cancer and high blood pressure, Mr. Gray said the plan would cover 10 other non-communicable diseases including diabetes and obesity.

He was speaking at a press conference at the Public Hospital Authority, where he announced plans for the BPA?s second annual summit, which is scheduled for September 14 to 20 at the Sheraton Cable Beach Hotel.

The summit will commence on the eve of the anticipated passing of the new Pharmacy Act. Mr. Gray said the BPA has worked hard in conjunction with the Ministry of Health and the Office of the Attorney General to complete the draft of the Act.

The last time there was any significant changes to the Act was in 1961, he said.

"We have invested much as an association both in man hours and financial outlay to ensure that we put our best position forward as we support the government in its initiative as well as to ensure the continued viability of our privately owned pharmacies," he said.

"We are pleased with the efforts of our drug plan committee that has been coupled with the professional services of Ms. Janice Cartwright, a business consultant. The committee has produced our position paper, which represents a thorough study of similar plans."

Mr. Gray described the drug plan as comprehensive and said that Bahamians would benefit tremendously.

He said a draft of the drug plan has been forwarded to CARICOM and the feedback is that the plan is impressive, and is being considered as a model for other Caribbean countries.

Pharmacies, he said, would also benefit from the plan.

"As far as the drug plan and the pharmacy legislation are concerned, the BPA represented the interests of pharmacies and pharmacists," he said. "We ensured that what was done was done in their best interest because pharmacists and pharmacies all want and need to make a profit to sustain their businesses."

Mr. Gray said summit 2008 would meet several strategic goals of the BPA.

"Firstly it would offer our membership and other health care professionals continuing education opportunities in disease management and pharmacy practice," he said. "Secondly, to further discuss the way forward as we embark on the formation of the pharmacy council that will follow the passing of the draft pharmacy legislation and the repeal of the current pharmacy act, and to further develop and empower our membership and all of our clients as we embrace government?s initiative [to implement] the National Chronic Disease Management Pre scri ption Drug Plan."

Additionally, he said the summit would cultivate an atmosphere for professional growth, networking and social development.

"Presenters for the summit will include local and international pharmacists, physicians and technocrats," Mr. Gray said. "A new feature of this year?s summit is that we will be joined by our members from our northern chapter in Grand Bahama for various sessions via tele-conference. We have already received a favourable response from our colleagues in the Caribbean region and from our companion association in South Florida."

By NAVARDO SAUNDERS