The OECS Secretariat is collaborating with other Caribbean Countries as well as reputable organizations to enhance its capability to sustain the acquisition and distribution of credible pharmaceuticals for the people of the region.

This was reemphasized during Tuesday’s opening session of a one week meeting of the 19th Joint Tenders Adjucation and Technical Advisory Committee of the OECS  Pharmaceutical Procurement Service OECS PPS.

Leading a discussion on a new a approach towards Supplier Prequalification, the OECS PPS noted the urgency for enhanced scrutinizing of manufacturers and suppliers to avoid substandard or counterfeit drugs from entering the Eastern Caribbean. The meeting heard that between 2004 and 2005, the counterfeit drugs industry rose by 40 percent while the involvement of countries rose by 32 percent on an international scale.

To this end the OECS PPS is reviewing its method of acquiring Manufacturing Information to help deter unscrupulous persons from trafficking counterfeit medicines in the OECS. This includes testimonials from the clients of suppliers, endorsements from credible institutions such as the WHO and PAHO, and ensuring that the manufactures and suppliers meet specific international standards.

The issue of Pharmaceutical Supplier prequalification was the key agenda issue as main players in Pharmaceutical storage and distribution in the OECS gathered in Castries for the week strategic planning meeting of the OECS PPS Joint Tenders Adjudication and Technical Advisory Committee.

Out going chairperson of the OECS PPS Tenders sub committee Pharmacist in Antigua and Barbuda, St. Clair Soleyn saluted his OECS colleagues for the strides accomplished in sustain the credibility of the joint pharmaceutical purchasing agreement. “We have reached a long way by any measure. From our purchase orders we have basically doubled over the last nine years. That says a lot. It says also that we are gathering momentum and people are having faith in the system and we know that when we look around the world and hear what’s going on in pharmaceuticals we can say that we are out of that boat” 

New chairperson of the OECS PPS Tenders sub committee Corrine Alexis (right) noted the task ahead in ensuring that the people of the OECS receive the best available medicines in the most appropriate time through what has become a world renowned joint purchasing system. “We are here on serious business. So let us take our time as we go through the adjudication process. Let us bear in mind the criteria that we usually use: Best Quality, Best Price, Best Supplier Performance etc.. and let us try to make the best decision.”

The mission statement of the OECS Pharmaceuticals Procurement Services is: “To optimize the healthcare services to the OECS through pooled procurement and management of pharmaceuticals and medical products.”