The Cayman Islands Health Services Authority (HSA) pharmacy is promoting a new $4.50 Alternative Prescriptions option. This involves identifying a generic alternative in each prescription category and is guided by World Health Organisation essential medication list guidelines. With this alternative prescription option the HSA is ensuring that patients have access to medication that will meet the same recognised standard of care as the equivalent branded prescriptions, but at a much more affordable price.
Dr Jefferson, HSA Medical Director & Pharmacy Manager said the generic drugs will be available to all patients, as long as they are prescribed by their physician. The HSA has been working with local private physicians to ensure their awareness of these cost effective alternatives. “We must all work together to ensure the most effective care for our patients and this new option will further allow us to do so. We have communicated to the private sector these new options so that they can prescribe whenever possible.”
“This Alternative Prescriptions option will allow the majority of patients the opportunity to access the medications they require. The $4.50 Alternative Prescription option is a list of generic medication with the same active ingredients as the brand name medication with the same risks and benefits. In addition to costing our patients less, it is anticipated that this implementation will help to improve our delivery of health services to everyone” explained Colin Medford, Chief Pharmacist at the HSA.
The affordable $4.50 alternative prescription option is another initiative that will ultimately help with overall payment collections at the HSA. The HSA is extending its Payment Policy to all HSA pharmacies, effective January 1st, 2016 in a continued effort to improve on its collection of payments, while maintaining accessible high quality healthcare for all residents and visitors,
Caymanian patients requiring financial assistance are encouraged to contact the Needs Assessment Unit immediately by calling 946-0024 or visiting their office at 55 South Church Street, in the Aqua Mall on the second floor next to Guy Harvey’s Restaurant.
Visit www.hsa.ky for a full list of the .50 alternative prescriptions.
December 21, 2015 – Cayman Reporter
