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Dr. Grace Allen-Young, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health.

More Jamaicans will be able to access needed medicines following Cabinet's approval of the awards of contracts to purchase $1 billion worth of pharmaceuticals and medical sundries.

The total number of items to be purchased will satisfy the estimated demand for the public sector over the period October 1, 2006 - March 31, 2008.

"The procurement of these vital items will aid in providing quality care to the Jamaican people," Dr. Grace Allen-Young, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health said.

Committment

Dr. Allen-Young also said that this move is part of the Ministry of Health's ongoing commitment to meet the health needs of the nation. She noted that while the needs are many and varying, the Ministry of Health's dedication to providing quality care is unwavering.

Health Corporation Limited, the Government's supplier of pharmaceuticals, will be responsible for awarding the contracts for the procurement of these essential items.

Already, over 20 companies have been selected for award of contracts.

Among these are Facey Commodity Company Limited, H.D. Hopwood & Company Limited, Lasco Distributors Limited, GlaxoSmithKline, Abbott Laboratories, Medi-Grace, Lascelles Laboratories, Cari-Med and 3M Interamerica Inc.