The Bermuda Health Council has paused further guidance on the price of pharmaceuticals in the wake of “rapid changes” in the pharmaceutical market.

The BHC advised that the second phase of the National Drug Formulary — which guides the selection and use of medicine to promote quality and affordability in healthcare — has been temporarily paused.

The pause is in effect while BHC meets with stakeholders and reviews recent developments within Bermuda’s pharmaceutical market, but the stage one requirements, which outline how much pharmacies can charge for certain kinds of medications, remain in place.

The Council explained: “The pharmaceutical market is currently experiencing rapid changes in purchasing arrangements, pricing structures and distribution dynamics both locally and internationally.

“As these developments evolve, BHC believes it is important to conduct a broader review to ensure that regulatory implementation remains aligned with the principles of fairness, transparency and equitable access to medicines.”

This announcement came after Denis Pitcher and Olivia Benyak-Pitcher, operators of My Pharmacy, accused BHC of doubling back on whether branded drugs would be included in the formulary.

In addition, the BHC is reviewing insurer Allshores requirement that its clients only get certain prescriptions from the Phoenix pharmacies.

The BHC added: “The review will examine current market condition, including whether emerging purchasing and distribution arrangements could create unintended consequences, such as disparities in access, pricing distortions and unfair competitive conditions in the sector.”

As part of this review, medicines such as Ozempic that were identified with earlier stages of the formulary will now be addressed in the second phase.

The BHC will also examine areas where legislations could be aligned or clarified, “including provisions within the Pharmacy and Poisons Act and related regulatory frameworks”.

BHC added: “This work forms part of the Health Council’s broader efforts to strengthen Bermuda’s pharmaceutical sector and ensure that regulatory structures continue to support a transparent, stable and sustainable market environment.

“The review will also consider barriers that may exist within the current system that affect patient access to essential medicines and pharmacy services, with the goal of identifying practical opportunities for improvement within the pharmacy sector.

“Once the review process is complete, the Health Council will issue a follow-up advisory outlining the outcome of the review, any updates to implementation guidance and a revised timeline for enforcement.”

Visit healthcouncil.bm/programmes#bermuda-drug-formulary to learn more about the plan.