Pharmacy Act (Dominica, 2024)

The Pharmacy Act, 2024 is legislation enacted by the Parliament of Dominica to regulate the practice of pharmacy, the licensing of pharmacists, and the operations of pharmacies throughout the country. It replaced earlier frameworks that were considered outdated and was officially assented to and published as Act No. 11 of 2024 in the Official Gazette. The law forms part of Dominica’s broader legal architecture for healthcare, alongside the Health Services Act, the Public Health Act (1968), and the Dominica Hospitals Authority Act.

Purpose and Objectives

The Pharmacy Act was designed to modernize the legal regulation of pharmacy services in Dominica. Its objectives are to safeguard the public by ensuring that only qualified individuals may practice as pharmacists, to provide clear rules for the licensing and inspection of pharmacies, and to strengthen protections against counterfeit or substandard medicines. The Act also seeks to integrate pharmacies more closely into public health delivery, supporting initiatives like vaccination programs and chronic disease management.

Governance and Professional Oversight

A key provision of the Act is the establishment of the Pharmacy Council, a statutory body responsible for overseeing the profession. The Council is tasked with maintaining a register of licensed pharmacists, accrediting pharmacy premises, and setting standards of professional conduct. It also has the power to investigate complaints and enforce disciplinary measures, including suspension or removal from the register.

Licensing under the Act requires applicants to present evidence of professional training and qualifications. Renewal of licenses is linked to continuing education and professional development, ensuring that pharmacists remain up to date with evolving medical and pharmaceutical practices.

Core Provisions

The Act contains detailed provisions governing the practice of pharmacy and the operation of pharmacies across Dominica.

• Licensing of pharmacists and pharmacies: No individual may practice pharmacy or operate a pharmacy without proper registration and licensing under the Act.
• Regulation of medicines: The Act includes measures to control the storage, distribution, and sale of medicines, ensuring their quality and preventing counterfeit or unsafe drugs from entering the supply chain.
• Professional responsibilities: Pharmacists are legally bound to maintain accurate records, uphold patient confidentiality, and provide medication in accordance with prescriptions and accepted professional standards.
• Inspection powers: The Ministry of Health and the Pharmacy Council are authorized to inspect premises to confirm compliance with the Act.

Disciplinary and Legal Measures

The Act establishes procedures for handling misconduct and breaches. Pharmacists found guilty of malpractice, negligence, or unethical behaviour may face suspension, fines, or removal from the professional register. Operating without a license is treated as an offence, with penalties that include fines or imprisonment. Pharmacies failing to comply with operational standards may be subject to closure until corrective action is taken.

Disciplinary procedures are designed to ensure due process, with opportunities for practitioners to appeal decisions to the High Court. This judicial oversight strengthens the accountability of the profession while protecting the rights of both patients and pharmacists.

National Significance

The Pharmacy Act is significant because it provides the legal structure necessary to integrate pharmacy services into the modern healthcare system. By clarifying professional responsibilities and institutional oversight, it enhances patient safety, secures the integrity of the pharmaceutical supply chain, and ensures equitable access to quality medicines across the island. It also reflects Dominica’s alignment with regional and international standards, strengthening cooperation with organisations such as the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

The law’s focus on professional training, continuous licensing, and institutional inspection demonstrates Dominica’s commitment to improving health outcomes through regulatory reform. It complements other health legislation and contributes to the goals outlined in the National Resilience Development Strategy 2030 (NRDS), which identifies healthcare as a critical pillar of national development.