Brackett Takes Aim at Ministry of Health
Geovanni Brackett
Brackett referenced a memorandum that was issued in April 2017 giving formal notice for the purchase of pharmaceuticals from designated N.H.I. providers. He openly questions whether there have been studies conducted to test the quality and effectiveness of generic drugs.
Geovanni Brackett, Activist/Journalist
“This is noted April 1st, 2017 and I will read it, the notice states: “Clients are advised that to ensure the continued expansion of pharmacist services, NHI, through the selected pharmacists BMA, South Side, Belize Healthcare Partners, 1st Choice Pharmacy and Brodies will now be dispensing the most commonly prescribed medications. These approved medications will be labeled “Not For Sale – N.H.I. Use Only.” Please know that that this program will come into effect as of April 1st, 2017. Also know that in some cases the medications may have different shape, color and packaging than you were used to, however, be assured that these generic medications meet all the standards the Ministry of Health and are just as effective.” Let’s break that down in two. So the outline one, two, three, four providers. If you read that, you automatically feel that those are the only providers that you can go to with your NHI medication. It says, “through the following selected pharmacies.” What happened to the other NHI providers? What if you are not informed? You won’t know that there are other providers. Then the other part is that they warned you that these pills may come in different shapes and colors, but not to be afraid because they meet all the standards for the Ministry of Health. What studies have they done and how often do they do studies on these generic products for us to be comfortable with these generic products?”
