Bermuda T.B. Cancer and Health Association will temporarily cease dispensing insulin and other medications for diabetics starting today, chief medical officer Dr. John Cann confirmed on Wednesday.

The Association reviewed its practice with regards to the sale of diabetic medications and supplies to the public, and has agreed to engage a pharmacist to oversee the supply and dispensing of medications.

The change, said Government spokesperson Marc Telemaque, is ?in an effort to ensure the highest quality and standard of care is devoted to the dispensing of very important medicine?.

While he did not have current numbers, Mr. Telemaque estimated this would impact a ?considerable? number of people. It is anticipated that a pharmacist will be in place and the service will be up and running by the end of November 2003.

The public will be informed of new dispensing hours once they have been established, according to a Government press release.

In the meantime, the public can purchase diabetic medications from pharmacies in the community. Qualified individuals may have their prescriptions filled at the outpatient pharmacy at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

Those members of the public who require assistance purchasing diabetic medications may be assessed through the Credit Office at the hospital or at the Department of Financial Assistance.

Dr. Cann noted in the Press release that this decision would allow the T.B. Cancer and Health Association to continue to supply medications at a reasonable cost and to upgrade its services.

In addition, he said it will ensure that the public always has access to a full range of advice and information from a qualified pharmacist.

Judy Simons of T.B. Cancer and Health could not be contacted.