There seems to be a chasm between the thinking of the Minister of Health and Wellness and the Pharmaceutical Society of Jamaica. This relates to whether or not electronic transmission of prescriptions is legal in Jamaica.
Dr. Winsome Christie
President, Pharmaceutical
Society of Jamaica
My understanding is that the Pharmaceutical Society of Jamaica is saying that the Pharmacy Council governs the practice of pharmacy in Jamaica guided by the Pharmacy Act and regulations. The President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Jamaica Dr. Winsome Christie, has pointed out that The Act makes no reference to e-prescribing, nor does it define it. The Pharmaceutical Society of Jamaica President is wondering therefore how it would be practiced.
Sources from the Pharmaceutical Society state that there is no established model under which this service will be carried out which will protect the rights of the patient to choose which pharmacy the patient wishes to patronize. There is also concern about patient’s privacy.
Many regulations have been put forwarded by the Pharmacy Council I understand, but these have not been approved and these include matters dealing with e-prescribing functions. The pharmaceutical Society of Jamaica is waiting on the numerous recommendations put forward by the Pharmaceutical Council that are still awaiting approval.
Dr. Christopher Tufton
Minister of Health &
Wellness.
Minister Tufton in a release today, says, “The Ministry of Health & Wellness has sought the advice of the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) on the matter of the electronic transmission of prescriptions. The AGC has advised that based on Regulation 20 of the Pharmacy Regulations, the transmission of prescription for drugs through electronic means is permissible."
Where this leaves us as consumers. We are in the middle not knowing what to do. Where do we go from here? Mr. Minister we need an emergency meeting with the legal minds and the pharmacists in this country to sort things out. This is certainly not rocket science. Probably our colonial masters can solve this one for us in the 60th year of our independence.
What a country, what a life!
.jpeg)
A perfect example of the left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing. The first thing that Pharmacists must insist on is the rationale that the AG is basing this radical advice on. Thereafter a clear explanation must be offered as to the way forward. Right now there is utter confusion in our noble profession.
ReplyDeleteA perfect example of the left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing. The first thing that must be determined is the rationale the AG is using to justify this advice. Thereafter the way forward must be clearly and transparently offered so that Pharmacists can understand what to do. Right now there is utter confusion in our profession.
ReplyDeleteI think it’s the case where the left hand PCOJ wants to play deaf!!! Knows the law but insists on playing dead and slowing growth. Electronic prescription is allowed all over the world but HERE in JAMAICA it gets complicated, as people being the pharmacists are ready for change. As long as the patient has choice of pharmacy, the patients data is secured and the patients wants their data in the palm of their hands, we are for it!! Let’s try and find ways to progress in Jamaica and not complain when change is brought about.
DeleteMyopic in one’s iteration at the least..
DeleteUninformed at the most…
My doctor has "called in" prescriptions by phone for me in the past and I go to the Pharmacy and collect meds. Seems to me that's a form of e-prescriptiom.
ReplyDeleteNo Patricia. This is known as a telephone prescription that should be supported with an 'hard copy' by the patient or the prescriber thereafter.
DeleteActually it is not what is being discussed now. E- prescribing and the electronic transmission as well as e- dispensing, without clear definitions and guidelines to follow, there is no way a system can be overseen and audited by the regulatory body charged with oversseing the profession of pharmacy. The issue is not that e-prescrbing should not happen but the framework in which it will work within for best practice in the profession. Systems that are clear - that allow patients to go to their pharmacy of choiice, verification of authenticity of prescriptions, protection of medical records i.e.data protection, equal access to e-prescribing. If there are multiple software providers how will a pharmacy receive prescriptions? Who will vet the software? How will it interface with the multiple pharmacy management software now in use? How will The Pharmacy Council oversee the practice? How will it be implemented? There are some special interest groups who wish to make money with software but do not care or understand that pharmacy is a part of the healthcare system and as such certain considerations must be taken into account as it moves forward. These areas were addressed and suggested framework presented to the Minister numerous times and the last being about 2 years ago to amend The Pharmacy Act to include in concise terms to e-prescribing and have it tabled in Parliament. The issue is the how and not to have an ad hoc approach which can have serious ramifications to all stakeholders.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.uspharmacist.com/article/what-really-is-electronic-prescribing
ReplyDeleteThe steps taken and intent shown should be welcomed. It’s the sign of we as Jamaica are progressing towards what’s being done worldwide. At the same time if the privacy and choice issue can be addressed properly inspiring confidence, we should simply go ahead and accept the change.
ReplyDeleteThe pharmacist is an integral part of this process. How we do what we do was carefully developed to safeguard all interests, particularly those of the patient. Changes to that process, albeit timely and welcomed, should carry the same assurances.
ReplyDeleteI came across this blog and thought it to be substancial, until I read the second paragraph. Mr Writer makes light of calling the MOH and the AG ignorant. While also naming Dr. Winsome Christie who apparently has not read the Pharmacy Act.
ReplyDeleteThis entire blog is fictitious. Pharmacy Council put forth what recommendations? Whatever kool-aid you are on, I want some.