OECS Health Ministers Meeting

Details

Health News

Wednesday, 10 October 2012 02:30

By caribarena news

Antigua & Barbuda will host the 15th OECS Health Ministers Meeting over a two day period commencing tomorrow, October 10 to 11. Also in session during this time will be the meeting of the board of the OECS Pharmaceutical Procurement Service (OECS PPS).

The meetings will be held at the Jolly Beach Resort, with the opening session starting at 9:00 am on today.

Welcome and introductory remarks will be made by the outgoing Chairman, Hon. Colin Riley. Approximately 30 delegates are expected to arrive for this highly anticipated event.

Antigua & Barbuda’s Health Minister Honorable Wilmoth Daniel and Permanent Secretary Mr. Edson Joseph are very optimistic that the sessions will be productive when they join their colleague Health Ministers and Permanent Secretaries from across the OECS sub-region.

High on the agenda of items to be discussed is the impact of the OECS regional programs, and Project Management and Financing. A number of senior government officials and representatives from regional and international organizations will be attending as well.

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It is important to note that the OECS PPS is designated as a pooled procurement resource agency, through which all nine OECS Member States are required to purchase tendered pharmaceuticals and other medical products.

 The OECS/PPS has provided Member States with a reliable supply of high quality pharmaceuticals which are safe and effective, and has a comprehensive quality assurance program that encompasses a restricted international tendering system, under contractual terms that ensure quality and post marketing surveillance.

 The agency has a comparative advantage over an individual country’s procurement capacity because the aggregate OECS tender executed on behalf of the nine (9) OECS Member States has successfully attracted and maintained competitive prices for the past twenty (20) years.

The estimated 37% reduction on the unit cost of pharmaceuticals and other medical products has resulted in millions of dollars being saved by OECS Member States.  The annual cost-savings, after 20 years of joint purchasing arrangements, have reinforced OECS/PPS as an excellent model of economic and functional cooperation among the OECS.

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