June 7th, 2016

PUBLIC AD VISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
INTERMITTENT SUPPLY OF CHEMOTHERAPY DRUGS

Port of Spain, June 7th, 2016. The North West Regional Health Authority (N.W.R.H.A) wishes
to advise the public that within the past few months there has been an intermittent supply at the
nations hospitals of some drugs used in the treatment of cancers.
In the circumstances the (N.W.R.H.A) has adopted measures to most effectively manage patients.
One of these measures has been the adoption (since 2015) of a National Oncology Therapeutic
Protocol which was revised in February 2016 and instituted by all Regional Health Authorities.
These protocols have standardized patient care nationally and have provided the framework for
the just allocation of drugs in an evidenced-based, cost effective manner for patients requiring
oncology care. For patients requiring drugs that are in short supply, alternative regimens have
been utilized to allow for treatment without compromising patient care and to ensure that citizens
continue to receive the appropriate levels of quality care.
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Corporate Communications Department

625-1295 Ext 1239/1212 (Phone)
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