Grand Cayman, Thursday, 28 September 2023–   The Ministry of Health & Wellness is encouraging the public to provide feedback on the Pharmacy Bill, 2023 as the public consultation period for the Bill will run from 29 September until 30 November.

The Pharmacy Bill, 2023 will repeal and replace the Pharmacy Act, 1979 and the Pharmacy (Poisons and Restricted Pharmaceuticals) Regulations (2017 Revision).  The updated Bill will facilitate the monitoring and regulation of the pharmacy practice as the Bill will, among other things:

 *   Classifying medicines;
 *   Provide clear rules on the proper handling and supply of medicines;
 *   Establish a system for applications to the Pharmacy Council for licences for various activities;
 *   Regulate the manufacturing, wholesale, importation and dispensing of medicines.

“The Pharmacy Bill, 2023 will close gaps due to the existing Pharmacy Act being so outdated,” Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Nick Gent, explains.  “The new Bill is needed to respond to the current needs of the community by ensuring that medicines imported are of the highest quality, stemming the importation of medicines by those without the appropriate licence or authority, and even ensuring that basic standards are created and met- for example: that all medicines stocked, distributed and prescribed in Cayman must have leaflets written in English.”

“The Pharmacy Bill, 2023 represents a significant milestone in our mission to ensure the delivery of the highest standard of pharmaceutical services to the people of the Cayman Islands,” Mr. Khimanie Blackwood, Chair of the Pharmacy Council, adds. “ I would like to thank both current and former members of the Pharmacy Council, staff of the Department of Health and Regulatory Services and all other stakeholders who contributed to the development of this integral piece of legislation.”

“This Bill is long overdue,” says Hon. Sabrina Turner, Minister for Health & Wellness.  “I encourage the community to engage with my ministerial team as our aim is to bring it to Parliament as soon as possible.”

Members of the public can familiarise themselves with the bill and to submit their feedback and questions to the Ministry of Health & Wellness by logging on to www.gov.ky/pharmacybill<http://www.gov.ky/pharmacybill>,  emailing [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>  or attending the public consultation meetings when announced.