Medical professionals to be re-licensed every two years in Dominica: Dr McIntyre

Roseau, Dominica: Minister for health and new health investment Dr. Irvin McIntyre stated new legislation named "Hospitals Admitting Privileges and Regulations Bill" would be among the legislations presented in the cabinet in the coming days.

During the cabinet meeting, Dr. Irvin McIntyre stated that regulations have been prepared to make a distinction between services delivered at hospitals to public and private patients.

Also read: Cruise-ships enquiring vaccine status of Dominica: PM Roosevelt Skerrit

Health Minister stated that the new regulations would focus on public patients and registration for private specialists who wish to use hospital facilities to carry out surgical or other procedures on private patients.

As per Dr. Irvin McIntyre, the process will promote excellent efficiency in the use of hospitals' technical and financial resources.

Also read: Dominica: Melissa Skerrit receives the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine

"These regulations further provide the appointment of the theatre management committee to manage the use of operation theatres."

Besides this, another bill titled "Medical Professions and Pharmacy Bill" will be part of the transformation and reform effort of health services. Health Minister stated this bill would ensure that health professionals are registered, licensed, and go through continuous medical education.

---

"The medical professions and pharmacy bill seek to reform the legal framework governing the profession's regulations,"  Dr. McIntyre.

---

Health Minister also stated that the bill would place efforts in place to allow the establishment of Dominica Medical Council, registration and licensing of medical professionals, regulations of conduct, prescription of qualification, approval of standards, and requirements of continuous education. "The bill also requires medical professionals to be re-licensed every two years through a process of prescribed continuing education," added Minister of health and new health investment.

Furthermore, he added that an important addition would be a complaints mechanism that would allow investigations and appeals.

Besides this, the pharmacy bill will establish a council to register and supervise the practices and conduct of pharmacies. Dr. McIntyre stated that under the new pharmacy bill, it would be mandatory to register the premises where the pharmacy will locate.