A watchdog set up to monitor the pharmaceutical sector is to be beefed up, MPs have heard.

Kim Wilson, the health minister, told the House of Assembly that the Bermuda Pharmacy Council — which carries out checks on the registration of pharmacies and the controls the importation of medicines — would have a lawyer on its board to assist its work.

Ms Wilson said that the amendment would “update and improve” legislation passed in 1979.

She added: “This Bill allows for the appointment to the pharmacy council of a member qualified to assist with legal or ethical matters.

“It also gives the chair of the pharmacy council a passing vote in matters that end in a tie.”

She was speaking after the House approved the Pharmacy and Poisons Amendment Act 2022 on Friday.

The Bill was passed without debate.