The Minister of Health, Dr. Irving McIntyre, has announced that numerous administrative changes will be witnessed at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital (DCFH) after the parliament endorses the legislative bills brought before it. There are several bills awaiting approval from lawmakers and these are all targeted at promoting healthcare in Dominica.
The bills will take effect on July 1st, once lawmakers approve them.
According to McIntyre, there is the Hospital Authority Bill, Hospital Admitting Privileges Regulations Bill, Medical Bill, and the Pharmacy Bill. There is also the Nursing Bill and the Allied Health Professional Bill among others.
The Hospital Authority Bill will enable DCFH to be run as a corporate organization. The bill will advance the welfare of patients and implementation of healthcare systems for standardized health delivery. McIntyre said the Hospital Authority Bill will hasten the international accreditation of the DCFH and also facilitate the appointment of board of directors, director of clinical services, and a Chief Executive Officer.
The Hospital Admitting Privileges Regulations Bill will differentiate the treatments delivered to private and public patients. Under this bill, private medical specialists can be allowed to use the DCFH facilities for private surgical procedures and other medical services for private patients. Private specialists can be permitted to use the operating theatres for private clients as well as use the hospital facilities for contracted medical purposes.
The Medical Bill will enable medical professionals to be licensed and also undergo progressive medical education to keep them apprised of their jobs. The bill will enable the establishment of the Dominica Medical Council and the accreditation of healthcare experts as well as regulation of their conducts and duties with regard to the medical profession.
The Pharmacy Bill will facilitate the formation of government agency for the registration and regulation of pharmacists in the country. Meanwhile, the Nursing Bill will regulate the nursing job in the country and the Allied Health Professional Bill will regulate the activities of homeopaths, dentists, chiropractors, and acupuncturists.
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