Health legislation due for revision

The Ministry of Health is looking to overhaul antiquated legislation which covers this vital aspect of the country’s development. A two-day workshop which started today is analyzing the regulations, identifying loopholes, and separating responsibilities among different government agencies. Director of Health Services Dr. Errol Vanzie says updating the legislation will eliminate a lot of confusion and facilitate improved health coverage.

Dr. Errol Vanzie, Director of Health Services
?Well it is extremely important because in our process of development we have new investors, people coming into the country with the intention to manufacture new products, to provide new services. And in order to do this they require licensing and accreditation permits for which our present legislation does not provide. Just to give an example, stem cell research, In Vitro Fertilization, clinical trials to test new drugs, and all of these areas we need to address. We cannot be an obstacle to development. And in order to facilitate these new requests we need to have the proper legislation in place.?

According to Vanzie, much of the current Health Legislation dates back to 1947 and the last unsuccessful attempt at a revision was in 1997. A final draft of the proposed General Health Act is expected to be complete by September. The two-day seminar is being attended by representatives of different government departments and agencies, as well as civil society associations.