The Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to advancing the pharmaceutical sector in Guyana during his feature address at the Massy Distribution 2nd Pharmacists Symposium, held at the Massy Convention Hall, Starlite Square, Montrose.
In his address, the Minister extended best wishes to pharmacists in recognition of World Pharmacy Day and commended their continued contribution to improving healthcare delivery across the country. He noted that the pharmacy profession in Guyana has made significant progress through ongoing education, professional collaboration, and the introduction of new medical products.
Dr. Anthony announced the completion of the new Medicines and Regulatory Bill, which aims to modernise and strengthen the regulation of pharmaceuticals in Guyana. The Bill, soon to be tabled in Parliament, includes provisions for enhanced pharmacovigilance, batch testing of medications, and clinical trial regulations to ensure patient safety and product quality.
“We are building a robust system that will allow us to monitor and test drugs locally, rather than depending on overseas laboratories, Construction will soon begin on a new Food and Drug Administration facility at the University of Guyana, which will house a state-of-the-art drug testing laboratory”, Minister Anthony said.
He further revealed ongoing efforts to digitise the public health system through the introduction of electronic health records at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). This system will allow for better coordination between doctors, pharmacists, and laboratory staff, ensuring safer and more efficient patient care.
To address issues of storage and distribution, the Ministry is also implementing a new inventory management system at the Materials Management Unit (MMU) in partnership with Ernst & Young, and constructing new, modern medication bonds in several regions. These improvements will enhance accountability and reduce instances of drug shortages or expirations.
In closing, the health minister urged pharmacists to partner with the Ministry on public health campaigns, including Pinktober (breast cancer awareness) and the HPV vaccination drive for boys and girls aged 9 to 15 years. He highlighted that Guyana is among the first Caribbean countries to introduce the Gardasil 9 vaccine, the most advanced HPV vaccine currently available, free of cost.
Honourable Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony addressing the audience
Dr Frank Anthony with some participants at the pharmacists symposium