Pharmacists and Ministry of Health Agree on Phased Prescription Plan

The Pharmacists Association of Belize (PAB) and the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) have reached an agreement on a twelve-month phased implementation plan for enforcing prescription requirements on certain medications.  The decision follows a stakeholder meeting held on April 13 in Belmopan, where health officials and pharmacy representatives aligned on a transition strategy aimed at strengthening regulation while maintaining patient access to essential medication.  Under the agreement, pharmacists will be allowed to continue dispensing medications for non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes to known patients, even in cases where a current prescription is not immediately available. However, this applies only to individuals with an established medical history, and pharmacists are required to document each transaction accordingly.  The phased approach does not apply to antibiotics or controlled substances. These medications will continue to require a valid prescription in all cases, with enforcement measures remaining fully in place.  The issue of oral contraceptives also forms part of the framework. Pharmacists may continue dispensing contraceptives only to patients who have previously obtained them with a valid prescription. They are not authorized to initiate therapy, as that responsibility remains with licensed medical practitioners. Meanwhile, a formal protocol for contraceptive dispensing has been submitted and is currently under review by the Ministry.  In addition, the Ministry has reopened the national list of over-the-counter medicines for review. The PAB has been tasked with submitting recommendations for updates to that list, in line with international standards.  Both the Ministry and the Pharmacists Association say the transition period is intended to educate the public and reinforce proper prescription practices, not to create new entitlements. Additionally, a joint public education campaign is expected to roll out in the coming months, focusing on medication safety and compliance with prescription guidelines.