Drug availability in Jamaica.

The availability of drugs and the supply system in Jamaica were examined. The Jamaica Commodity Trading Company imports all drugs through an international tendering system for the public health sector, and vital drugs for private distributors. For the 18-month period from January 1988, 652 awards were made, consisting of 426 (65%) brand and 226 (35%) generic drugs. There were several strengths and formulations for many drugs, including 19 preparations of 2 antibiotics. The University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) has been experiencing recurrent delays in the supply of several important drugs. In contrast, the private hospitals and pharmacies surveyed were adequately supplied. Many brands of several classes of drugs were available, including 51 antibiotics and 18 different anti-inflammatory analgesic and anti-hypertensive agents. However, several drugs used in special situations were only available at the UHWI. There is a need for the supply of drugs to be a priority in the public health sector and for the use of several drugs to be rationalized.