Expanded training for drug regulators

Drug Inspectors and pharmacists are being trained to become effective drug regulators.

And Director of the Barbados Drug Service (BDS) Maryam Hinds says by the end of the course, participants will be well acquainted with some aspects of the legislation governing pharmacies in Barbados.

Delivering remarks at the opening of the Drugs in the 21st Century: New Challenges, New Solutions, training workshop at Accra Beach Hotel, Christ Church, organized by the BDS and the Pharmacy Council, Hinds noted that there would be exposure to the regulation of drugs, especially narcotics, psychotropics, chemical precursors and therapeutic substances along with hospital pharmacy, drug resistance, drug testing and forensic testing.

“The different perspectives from both scientific and law enforcement will all be presented. Drug use in anesthesia and in pain management, including neuropathic pain and in palliative care will be covered during this training workshop. There will be self-assessment as well as a test at the end of this workshop,” she said.

Noting that medicines are important and deemed as a human right by the World Health Organisation (WHO), Hinds said pharmacy is a dynamic area and requires continuous updating. She indicated that it is absolutely necessary to invest both in staff and the beneficiaries of the service. She said this type of training should ideally be facilitated every two to three years.

According to the drug service head the drug inspectorate is an important unit that is responsible for the regulation of drugs in Barbados and is expected to maintain a professional collaboration with law enforcement agencies such as customs, police, the Barbados Defence Force, post office and other workers who service and secure the ports of entry.

She said with three new acting drug inspectors, the BDS has made a request for three new additional officers, which she said is a conservative request, considering the various institutions the officers serve.
(AH)