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'Have extra supply of medication' during peak hurricane season- Chief of Drugs

- Gracia Wheatley Smith said individuals with chronic conditions should have @ least a month’s supply of medication @ home
Residents of the Virgin Islands are being urged to have a sufficient supply of medication supply as the Territory enters the peak of the hurricane season. Photo: health.gov.au/File
Chief of Drugs and Pharmaceutical Services, Mrs Gracia Wheatley Smith said individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and asthma should ensure that they have at least a month’s supply of medication at home to be adequately prepared for a storm impact. Photo: GIS/File
Chief of Drugs and Pharmaceutical Services, Mrs Gracia Wheatley Smith said individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and asthma should ensure that they have at least a month’s supply of medication at home to be adequately prepared for a storm impact. Photo: GIS/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Chief of Drugs and Pharmaceutical Services, Mrs Gracia Wheatley Smith is urging residents to have a sufficient supply of medication supply as the Territory enters the peak of the hurricane season.

Mrs Wheatley Smith said individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and asthma should ensure that they have at least a month’s supply of medication at home to be adequately prepared for a storm impact.

“Sometimes, based on the forecast of the storms, there may not be sufficient time to go to the pharmacy and have medication prescriptions filled,” Mrs Wheatley-Smith said. She added, “Weather conditions may deteriorate quickly causing early closure of pharmacies or impassable roads. That is why it is imperative for persons with chronic conditions to be adequately prepared as we enter the peak of the hurricane season.”

'Think about the children'

The Chief of Drugs; in a Government Information Service (GIS) press release, also advised parents to ensure they have medications for pain and fever for their children should they be needed when seeking medical care is not feasible. “In preparing we also have to make sure that we think about the children and their medical and pharmaceutical needs and ensure they are adequately prepared as well,” she said.

Residents are also advised to ensure that medicines are properly stored to maintain their therapeutic effect, while ensuring that they are out of the reach of children and pets thereby preventing accidental ingestion. 

The September 10 peak of the Atlantic hurricane season is rapidly approaching, with most activity expected between mid-August and mid-October, according to the National Hurricane Center.

8 Responses to “'Have extra supply of medication' during peak hurricane season- Chief of Drugs”

  • resident (25/08/2024, 07:18) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Would NHI allow you to get a 2 month supply of your prescription meds?
  • smh (25/08/2024, 08:39) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    You can get extra supplies on your own expense, even though you didn’t max out your required prescriptions.
    This is not right. If I am allowed 12 prescriptions and I need two this month, why I am not allowed? If I go pass the 12 then you can charge me.
  • bvibuzz (25/08/2024, 10:54) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    this is solid advice people please take heed
  • Drug Czar (25/08/2024, 11:02) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    How quaint, Head of Drugs ? I thought he was locked up in Miami
  • Makes Sense (25/08/2024, 15:54) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    NHI needs to get on board. Persons should be allowed to have a two month supply of prescription on hand during the hurricane season.
  • All these made up positions… (25/08/2024, 16:27) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    …”Chief of Drugs”, “Postmaster General”…do they even do anything here?


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