The Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Social Services in Dominica, in partnership with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), has initiated a groundbreaking five-day mission focused on strengthening the country’s pharmaceutical supply chain. This initiative aims to enhance the accessibility of essential medicines and health technologies, ensuring that all Dominicans receive the necessary healthcare.
The mission emphasizes the importance of a robust pharmaceutical supply chain as a core element of public health policy. Key components of the initiative include the selection, financing, forecasting, procurement, storage, distribution, and rational use of pharmaceuticals, all of which are critical to meeting the population’s healthcare needs.
Leading the mission are experts from PAHO, including Pablo Alcocer Vera, Regional Advisor for Systems of Supply, and Dr. Vishwanath Andy Partapsingh, Advisor for Health Systems and Services. The mission also includes local health officials such as Parliamentary Secretary Hon. Kent Edwards, PAHO Country Program Specialist Dr. Nicole Slack-Liburd, and Supplies Manager Ms. Aliyah James-Shillingford.
During the opening ceremony, Minister of State in the Ministry of Health, Hon. Dr. Cassandra Williams, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that pharmaceuticals are accessible to all. “Our government is dedicated to establishing a robust Supply Chain Management System to guarantee the procurement, distribution, and financing of essential medicines,” Dr. Williams stated.
The mission includes implementing self-assessment tools, conducting focus groups, and visiting key healthcare facilities across Dominica. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to improve patient outcomes by developing a more efficient system for managing medical supplies.
The PAHO delegates will engage with various stakeholders, including health policymakers, procurement personnel, and IT departments responsible for logistics management. They will also conduct site visits at the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital, Marigot Hospital, and district health centres.
After the mission, PAHO will present recommendations to strengthen Dominica’s pharmaceutical supply chain management in alignment with WHO standards and introduce the PAHO Revolving Funds as a cooperative mechanism for pooled procurement. This mission underscores Dominica’s commitment to universal health coverage and access to quality healthcare for all its citizens.
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