Consultations for the new Pharmacy Act started today at the Parliament Building, featuring officials from the Ministry of Health
The first consultations for the new Pharmacy Act got underway this morning at the Parliament building.
The Antigua and Barbuda Pharmacy Council in conjunction with the Chief Parliamentary Council within the Ministry of Legal Affairs are hosting the sessions with various stakeholders to discuss the proposed Pharmacy Bill and Regulations 2026.
According to online drafts of the bill, it is an act to revise the law relating to the control and regulation of the practice of pharmacy, the sale of drugs and poisons and to make provision for the registration and control of persons admitted to practice as pharmacists and engaged in the business of pharmacy and for other connected purposes.
The first day of talks began today and will continue tomorrow at the same venue from 9am- 4:30pm.
Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph and Junior Minister Michael Joseph were both present and spoke at the session.
Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph
Today’s session was broken down into two segments with Pharmacists involved in discussions in the morning and then Wholesalers, Pharmacy Owners and their Pharmacists in the afternoon.
Minister of State in the Ministry of Health, Senator Michael Joseph
Tomorrow, the General Public, Government Regulators (Customs, Police, ONDCP, Pesticide Board, Forensic Lab) will be hosted in the morning while Doctors, Veterinarians, Dentists will share their views in the afternoon.
I tried listening to this but its so boring. I guess you have to be into these things to even understand what they talking about
This is long overdue. Pharmacy regulation needs to keep pace with modern healthcare standards
Will this address issues like counterfeit medication and unlicensed drug sales
Clear rules around drugs and poisons are essential, especially with the rise in prescription abuse.
Transparency throughout this process will help build trust in the final law
Consultation is good, but the real test will be how the law is enforced once passed
I hope the new act strengthens accountability without making it harder for people to access medicine
Comment *Pharmacists are on the frontline of healthcare. Strong regulation protects both patients and professionals