Universal health coverage enhancement aim of five-day PAHO program
Dominica
In a groundbreaking initiative for the region, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services in Dominica, in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), is launching a five-day program aimed at educating health professionals about their vital role in achieving universal health coverage and access to healthcare. This mission also focuses on ensuring that pharmaceutical products and services are accessible through a strong pharmaceutical supply chain system.
Access to medications is a fundamental aspect of any pharmaceutical policy and a key priority in public health. To guarantee the availability of essential medicines and health technologies, including vaccines and biologics, a well-organized system must be developed. This system will encompass the selection, financing, demand forecasting, procurement, storage, distribution, and rational use of pharmaceuticals, tailored to meet the population’s needs.
Leading this mission will be Pablo Alcocer Vera, Regional Advisor for Supply Systems at PAHO/WHO; Dr. Vishwanath Andy Partapsingh, Health Systems and Services Advisor at the PAHO/WHO Office for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean; Gabriel Cunha, an International Consultant specializing in Supply Chain Management Regional Revolving Funds (RRF); Hon. Kent Edwards, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Health and a pharmacist with over 26 years of experience; PAHO Country Program Specialist Dr. Nicole Slack-Liburd; and Supplies Manager Ms. Aliyah James-Shillingford, along with other senior officials from the Ministry.
At the mission’s opening ceremony, Hon. Dr. Cassandra Williams, Minister of State in the Ministry of Health, reaffirmed the Dominica government’s dedication to ensuring that all citizens have access to pharmaceuticals. She stated, “In an effort to ensure the optimal health and wellness of the population of Dominica, this government is committed to ensuring that there is a robust Supply Chain Management System that guarantees adequate procurement, distribution, and financing of pharmaceuticals are maintained.”
Dr. Williams highlighted that the government has allocated $81.9 million for recurrent health expenditures and $7.5 million for capital projects in the 2024-2025 budget. She emphasized that enhancing the system for managing the procurement and distribution of medical supplies is a key strategy for improving patient outcomes.
“As we work to further strengthen our commitment of Partnering to build the platform for sustainable growth and development, which was the theme of this year’s budget presentation, we are pleased to continue our longstanding partnership with PAHO in this week’s initiative, which has been preceded by several fact-finding and planning sessions commencing in February 2024. This week’s agenda includes the implementation of self-assessment tools, focus groups and site visits to hospitals and health centres, which will examine several aspects of SCM such as financing, procurement, information systems and legislative frameworks,” she stated.
Over the years, universal access to essential medicines has increasingly been recognized as a fundamental human right. Thus, enhancing the management of the pharmaceutical supply chain in Dominica to ensure access to safe, high-quality essential medicines and health technologies aligns with the right to health.
Throughout the mission, there will be discussions with stakeholders involved in health policy and financing, as well as meetings with procurement staff and the Information Technology Department responsible for the Logistics Management Information System (LMIS) and other health technologies. Site visits will take place at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital, including the Central Medical Stores, National Laboratory, Pharmacy, Marigot Hospital, district health centers, and the Roseau Seaport.
At the conclusion of the mission, PAHO delegates will present an overview of an effective and integrated supply chain management system for medicines and health technologies. This will cover governance, regulatory frameworks, financial aspects, quality assurance, essential medicines selection, demand estimation, procurement, inventory management, distribution, and rational use. They will also identify areas for technical cooperation to enhance the supply chain management system in accordance with WHO GSDP/MQAS standards and introduce the PAHO Revolving Funds as a mechanism for pooled procurement.
image pexels-miguel-á