Health Minister Dr. Lackram Bodoe has issued firm assurances that Trinidad and Tobago’s public health system maintains adequate supplies of cardiovascular, hypertension, and cancer medications, despite recent revelations of significant pharmaceutical wastage. The confirmation comes in response to disclosures made during a December 1 sitting of the Public Administration and Appropriations Committee, which uncovered that approximately $80 million worth of unused drugs had expired in storage over the past decade.
In an exchange with Newsday via WhatsApp, Minister Bodoe addressed concerns regarding potential impacts on the Chronic Disease Assistance Programme (CDAP), a vital initiative providing free prescription medications for diabetes, hypertension, cardiac conditions, and other chronic diseases. When questioned about how the addition of five new drugs to the CDAP formulary on October 1 might affect existing stockpiles, and what preventive measures would be implemented to curb future waste, Bodoe provided detailed reassurances.
“I am advised that these medicines remain available across the regional health authorities for the population, and that patient care is not at risk,” Bodoe stated emphatically. He elaborated on the ministry’s operational framework, noting that “the ministry operates through a structured, accountable procurement and supply-chain process that ensures continuous availability of essential drugs. Procurement decisions are guided by clinical need, safety, quality and value for money.”
The Health Minister emphasized that citizen health and well-being constitute the ministry’s paramount priority, with daily monitoring protocols actively ensuring uninterrupted access to life-saving medications throughout the healthcare system.