Legislation aimed at modernising pharmaceutical regulations on the Island and encourage the use generic drugs was approved by the House of Assembly on Friday.

The Pharmacy and Poisons Amendment Bill 2013 was described by Health Minister Trevor Moniz as the first phase of a wider overhaul of legislation.

He said one aspect of the legislation would promote generic drugs by requiring pharmacists to offer approved “chemical and therapeutic equivalents” unless prohibited by the prescription.

Mr Moniz noted that pharmaceutical goods account for around seven percent of the Island’s healthcare costs, but that figure is expected to increase as the average age of the population rises.

The legislation also expands the number of people who can prescribe drugs to include optometrists and advanced practice nurses, subject to restrictions under the Optometrists and Opticians Act 2008 and the Nursing Act 1997 respectively.

The act also updates the Minister’s power to restrict the importation and sale of medicinal drugs and the power to prohibit the importation of drug products which the Chief Medical Officer considers unsafe.

The Pharmacy Council will acquire protection from personal liability under the Act, and the Minister will take charge of the appointment of a Registrar.

A code of conduct for registered pharmacists will be authorised along with a Pharmacy Profession Complaints Committee.

Also the powers of pharmaceutical inspectors will be broadened.

Shadow Home Affairs Minister Walter Roban said the legislation was both appropriate and timely, congratulating the Government for bringing the amendments to the House.