Health officials from across the Eastern Caribbean met in Castries, Saint Lucia, from 28 May 2026 for the first joint planning workshop of a technical working group set up by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and the OECS Pharmaceutical Procurement Service (OECS-PPS).
What the group is working on
According to PAHO, participants, including procurement specialists, pharmacists and ministry leaders, focused on practical steps to improve the availability and affordability of essential medicines and health technologies:
- Identifying barriers to access, including affordability and supply chain infrastructure.
- Using the PAHO Strategic Fund and OECS-PPS together to reduce supply chain vulnerabilities.
- Expanding pooled procurement and shared systems so small island states can buy more effectively.
- Finalising a 2026–2027 action plan, with progress reported annually to the OECS-PPS Policy Board.
Speakers pointed to the region’s particular challenges: small markets with limited buying power, fragile supply routes and climate shocks such as hurricanes, all of which contribute to recurring stockouts and high prices.
Also in the region: a new Barbados Medical Products Authority
In Barbados, the Senate passed legislation in June 2026 to establish the Barbados Medical Products Authority, described in local coverage as a major change for the Barbados Drug Service. Health Minister Lisa Cummins has said she wants the Authority to become a regional centre of excellence. Details on implementation and timelines are still to come.
Why it matters
Pooled procurement and stronger national regulators can make regional supply more predictable for hospitals, clinics and pharmacies. As a Barbados-based supplier with a Pharmacy Council approved warehouse, Agentic Rx follows these changes closely and supports regional tenders across the OECS and wider Caribbean.
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