Pharmacies could soon give vaccines

The island’s private pharmacies could soon be asked to administer vaccines as the government moves further involve them in the provision of public health services.

Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton made the suggestion today as he launched the health ministry’s Public Sector Pharmacy Partner Pilot Programme.

Under the programme, select private pharmacies will fill prescriptions for public patients.

Tufton said the government is now reviewing the Pharmacy Act to see what additional services private pharmacies can provide to ease the burden on the public health system:

According to Tufton, private and public pharmacies should not be seen as competitors, but partners in health care delivery.

The Public Sector Pharmacy Partner Pilot Programme was launched in May Pen at one of the five participating pharmacies.

Tufton says a long wait for drugs can affect the healing process and the project is expected to reduce this waiting time.

The three-month pilot will also be replicated in the Cross Roads area of St Andrew next week.

Tufton says that leg of the project will involve as many as nine pharmacies which will charge a $200 administration fee to dispense medications to clients.