In the wake of contract signings with six pharmacies, the National Insurance Board (NIB) said it is no longer negotiating with the Bahamas Pharmacy Association (BPA).

"We are not waiting on a counter proposal. We actually met with them more than six weeks ago. They agreed to get back to us and they hadn't. We signed contracts with several pharmacies under the final terms the NIB is offering," said Algernon Cargill, NIB director, speaking of the National Prescription Drug Plan (NPDP).

"We met with the BPA several weeks ago and didn't hear from them. As a result we moved ahead to sign contracts. Those are the terms we are offering. We are not negotiating at all. We hope more will join the plan because we believe it is a good business opportunity," said Mr Cargill.

The last hurdle, according to the NIB, is the completion of the drug procurement process. Mr Cargill said this is expected to be completed in a few months to facilitate the expected August launch date of the NPDP.

The Bahamas National Drug Agency is assisting the NIB with the drug procurement process in order to facilitate the "transfer of knowledge" to the NIB. Mr Cargill said over the next year, the NIB would be able to manage the process.

Some industry sources said they thought the end of year was the more likely time for all outstanding matters to be sealed.

More than 90 per cent of private pharmacy owners are represented by the BPA. Members met on Thursday night to discuss a counter-proposal being prepared for submission to the NIB. It was at Thursday's meeting some members learned a few of their colleagues already signed contracts with the NIB.

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