Jamaica Gleaner News - Drug-monitoring committees tardy with meetings - report - Friday

Drug and therapeutic committees set up to monitor drug usage in hospitals have either not been meeting or meeting irregularly in most facilities, according to a report established to review regional health authorities (RHAs).

The 215-page report stated that, as a result, there was no timely feedback mechanism to inform the Health Corporation Limited's (HCL) procurement unit when there are changes in therapy.

The report has been in the hands of Health Minister Ruddy Spencer, but was never released to the public. It stated that undercapitalisation of HCL - the government importer and distributor of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies - led to inadequate budgetary provisions for the RHAs, resulting at times in drugs and medical supplies being out of stock.

"As a result, hospitals end up having to supplement shortages with emergency purchasing from local and private sector distributors at higher prices," stated the report, which was commissioned by the Ministry of Health and led by medical doctor, Winston Davidson.

The document stated that the situation was further compounded by the fact that at the end of September 2007, HCL sales to RHAs represented an average service level of 50 per cent for all items and an average service level of 76 per cent for critical drug items.

The report stated that the amounts collected by HCL, on behalf of the RHAs, as at September 30, 2007 were still inadequate to deal with the overhang in the amounts owed, with $225.6 million still being owed to HCL.

News emerged last February that the Government had planned to restructure the HCL. The Pharmaceutical Society of Jamaica raised concerns that the changes could affect the availability of drugs to public health facilities. The changes could also mean loss of jobs for more than 100 employees.

Those plans were, however, put on hold.

- Log on to go-jamaica.com to see the full task-force health report.

Task-force recommendations

The task force recommended that the HCL be reorganised and capitalised to improve its capacity and its efficiency.

HCL be transferred to the NHF as a department and be fully integrated into the NHF procurement system.

All HCL systems be fully computerised for procurement, inventory control, supply and distribution.

HCL should expand the Drug Serv pharmacies in hospitals throughout the regions. All reports confirm this to be 'best practice'.

- Drug Serv pharmacies to be included in primary health-care facilities in all regions.