Access to medication for chronic illnesses is a vital component of quality healthcare, according to the Bermuda Health Council.

While less expensive drugs would not end the suffering, they would make a difference and enable an environment where adherence is less complicated and patients are more empowered, acting CEO Tawanna Wedderburn told The Royal Gazette.

But Ms Wedderburn also urged for more focus on preventing the “debilitating” chronic diseases in the first place.

It comes after the Bermuda Government announced that a pilot programme will increase access to key medications.

“It is a vital component of quality healthcare that prescription drugs are accessible and affordable to everyone in need,” Ms Wedderburn said.

“The issues of chronic illnesses are multidimensional and we cannot assume that procuring less expensive drugs alone will stop the suffering.

“Yes, it makes a difference and enables an environment where medication adherence is less complicated and the patients are more empowered. However, in general we have to focus on preventing these debilitating diseases in the first place. That way we can limit the suffering and have more resources to deal with the cases that do occur.”

Delivering the Throne Speech on behalf of the Government, Governor George Fergusson said: “When people cannot afford to buy the medications required to treat their chronic conditions, their ability to manage diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease is compromised.

“To address the situation, Government will pilot a programme to increase access to key medications,” Mr Fergusson said.

The programme is based on joining the Pan American Health Organisation’s Strategic Fund to procure selected drugs for Government programmes at favourable rates.

Mr Fergusson said: “The fund allows for pooled procurement with other countries in the region so that chronic disease medications can be obtained at significant savings.

“The savings will help Government programmes provide affordable, appropriate treatment that people with lifelong conditions need.”

Ms Wedderburn said that Bermuda should do whatever it takes to ensure individuals with chronic illnesses can manage their condition or control their symptoms.

“Many of our seniors and people with disabilities are reliant upon prescription drugs which are now a critical part of healthcare,” Ms Wedderburn said.

“Access to these drugs are a necessity and out of pocket costs for these drugs can result in individuals having to make tough decisions. Basic access to health should not be a hard decision for individuals.”

The Throne Speech also announced the modernisation of the legislation guiding medical professionals in Bermuda, the Medical Practitioners Act 1950, “to provide a regulatory framework that ensures Bermuda continues to be served by well-trained, competent medical practitioners”.

Amendments to the Act will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Bermuda Medical Council in regulating medical practitioners regarding professional competence and conduct.

Ms Wedderburn said that based on reports from the Medical Council, “existing legislation is outdated and inadequate for up-to-date credential vetting and review”.

“As education and training are key investment tools within the health system; modernisation will change current practice by establishing the highest qualification standards aligned with professional skills.”

According to Ms Wedderburn, enhancements to the existing regulatory infrastructure will ensure that the health system continues to utilise available resources to perform at an optimal level.

“The public will continue to be assured that they are receiving quality care from health practitioners who meet a rigorous registration process.”

Ms Wedderburn added that updating the legislation is a continuation of the work that began with the development of the Standards of Practice for physicians, undertaken by the Bermuda Medical Council in collaboration with the Bermuda Health Council in 2013.