Prescription drug plan 'could save money'

FRIDAY, JULY 1: Allowing prescription drugs to be imported from Brazil, India and Israel will give pharmacies more options for importing cheaper ‘generic’ drugs, Government has said.

The new rule, which comes into effect today, has sparked concern from pharmacists and doctors that counterfeit drugs could make their way on to the Bermuda market.

Delay

Legislative amendments to ensure the medicine meets strict international regulatory standards will not go before the House until December.

Pharmacy inspector and Government consultant Lynnane Bolton said she was surprised she had not been asked for an opinion before the decision.

She is urging Health Minister Zane DeSilva to delay the new approval until the legal safeguards are in place.

“Without them there is nothing to stop sub-standard or counterfeit drugs finding their way into Bermuda pharmacies and into our two hospitals.”

Mr DeSilva was off the island yesterday.

But Permanent Secretary Kevin Monkman said Government had recognized the legislation was “not the strongest” and would bring through the amendment in December.

He said there was only one wholesaler (BGA) and a handful of independent pharmacies who imported drugs and Government had always relied on them to have their customers’ interests at heart.

“Before this order came in they were ensuring drugs sold to their customers were of the highest quality and I expect they will continue to do so,” he said.

He said the countries specified in the new regulations were home to reputable companies who produced generic drugs for the international market.

He said wholesalers and pharmacies had the choice of whether to use them or not. He added they were responsible enough to use only companies that were approved by the relevant regulatory authorities during the six-month interim period before the legislation was changed to compel them to do so. 

He said he could not comment on why the legislation and the new rule were not introduced concurrently, as that was a “policy decision”.

Ms Bolton said the decision was unwise and unnecessary.

“Even at this late stage I hope that the Government will delay the order until such time as the amendments which they plan to enact can be implemented,” she said.

Safety

“I share the desire to lower the costs of Rx drugs in Bermuda.

“The safety of our people need not and should not be compromised in this way.

“The Order and the amendments to the Pharmacy Act need to be introduced together to protect the public from sub-standard and counterfeit drugs.

“I know that my concerns are shared by the Pharmacy Council, the members of the Bermuda Pharmaceutical Association and many of the island’s doctors and dentists.”