Pharmacists meet with Health Minister
Published:Wednesday | February 13, 2008 | 2:41 PM
Representatives from the Pharmaceutical industry are meeting with Health Minister, Rudyard Spencer to address their concerns regarding plans by the government to restructure the Health Corporation Limited (HCL).
HCL is the main supplier of pharmaceutical and medical supplies to government run hospitals and health centres.
The government has indicated plans to restructure the entity with the National Health Fund (NHF), slated to control the drug procurement functions.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Jamaica (PSJ), 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.
Managing Director at HCL, Dr. Valerie Kerr said she has not been officially informed of the details of the Cabinet proposal, which outlines plans for the restructuring of the entity.
According to Dr. Kerr she has not been privy to meetings held at the Ministry of Health on the issue.