THE Government is implementing a policy to ease the long wait at public pharmacies by contracting private entities for the dispensing of drugs to persons who obtain prescriptions from State-run facilities.

Minister of Health Dr Christopher Tufton said, starting next month, the National Health Fund (NHF) will be engaging private pharmacies, through a pilot project, where a person, having visited a hospital or clinic and received a prescription, will not have to wait long to collect his or her medication.

Dr Tufton, who was addressing the opening of a Drug Serv Pharmacy at the Kitson Town Health Centre in St Catherine on Wednesday, said due to the long wait to get drugs through the public system, some individuals do not treat their illnesses.

“Designated pharmacies contracted to provide the service will give persons choices. You will have more distribution points and that is important, because when someone is sick and wants solution, they shouldn’t have to wait four and five hours in the sun to get drugs,” the minister told the audience.

The Kitson Town Health Centre, which caters to some 5,000 people annually, will be expanded early next year to offer dental, optical, screening and other services. The expansion is to cost some $40 million.

Currently, doctors visit the centre three days per week. With the opening of the pharmacy, there will be a full-time pharmacist, a pharmacy technician and a curative nurse.

Dr Tufton urged the residents to take care of the facility so that it can serve the health needs of the communities.

Dr Tufton said the ministry is on a drive to make healthcare better, and this is best achieved by bringing efficient service to the people.

“This facility represents the start of a process that we hope to continue throughout the country,” the minister told the gathering.