ST. GEORGE’S, GRENADA, MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012 _ Grenadians affected by diabetes now have new additional supplies of medication to manage the diseases and its complications. This follows the donation of diabetes medication to the Ministry of the Health.
The donated items were raised by Grenadians living at home and abroad. They were presented to Minister for Health Sen. Ann Peters, by Steve Horsford, a member of the Rotary Club Grenada-East.
Horsford said the initiative to secure the medication began some ten months ago with assistance from former Ambassador Denis Antoine; Cliff Feldman who represents an overseas-based organization; the Ministries of Health and Finance; and other groups based in Grenada.
In accepting the medicines the Grenadian Health Minister said, the people of Grenada are the biggest beneficiary of the gesture. “The management of diabetes and its complications are important, said Peters, adding that the drugs will boost the government’s stock of diabetes medication as it continues to fight chronic diseases”.
Peters, who also underscored the importance of building solid partnerships, said donations like these justify the many reasons why her Ministry values the importance of working closely with the private sector.
In 2010 and 2011, the Health Ministry wiped out significant portions of unpaid debts owed to overseas drug suppliers, despite the local and global financial challenges and production shortfalls, Peters said.
Last year, government invested heavily in the health sector which included increasing stocks of medicines and pharmaceuticals; developing and re-establishing relationships with drug suppliers at home and abroad – a significant action in the effective delivery of health services.
In addition, the Health Ministry paid over EC$3 million to the OECS-PPS in fulfilling its obligations and commitment. The OECS-PPS is the Pharmaceutical Procurement Service of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States.
