The Ministry of Health and Social Development has launched a Patient Bill of Rights brochure aimed at promoting the safe and effective use of medicines across the Virgin Islands.
According to a Government Information Services (GIS) press release, the brochure outlines the standard of pharmaceutical care patients should expect, including the right to safe and effective medication, confidentiality, clear counselling and respectful treatment.
Chief of Drugs and Pharmaceutical Services Mrs. Gracia Wheatley-Smith said the initiative is designed to help patients better understand their rights and responsibilities when accessing pharmaceutical care.
“The Patient Bill of Rights empowers individuals to become active participants in their care by encouraging them to ask questions, understand their medications and work collaboratively with their pharmacist,” she said.
Patients are encouraged to ask about dosage, possible side effects, drug interactions, storage and whether medication should be taken with food.
They are also urged to provide accurate information about their medical history, allergies, prescription and over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements.
Mrs. Wheatley-Smith said informed patients are better equipped to avoid medication errors and adverse reactions.
“Every conversation between a patient and pharmacist is an opportunity to improve health outcomes,” she said.
According to a Government Information Services (GIS) press release, the brochure outlines the standard of pharmaceutical care patients should expect, including the right to safe and effective medication, confidentiality, clear counselling and respectful treatment.
Chief of Drugs and Pharmaceutical Services Mrs. Gracia Wheatley-Smith said the initiative is designed to help patients better understand their rights and responsibilities when accessing pharmaceutical care.
“The Patient Bill of Rights empowers individuals to become active participants in their care by encouraging them to ask questions, understand their medications and work collaboratively with their pharmacist,” she said.
Patients are encouraged to ask about dosage, possible side effects, drug interactions, storage and whether medication should be taken with food.
They are also urged to provide accurate information about their medical history, allergies, prescription and over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements.
Mrs. Wheatley-Smith said informed patients are better equipped to avoid medication errors and adverse reactions.
“Every conversation between a patient and pharmacist is an opportunity to improve health outcomes,” she said.
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