By Belize Live News Staff: The Belize Cabinet has approved the repeal of the Food and Drug Regulations, aiming to replace them with updated legislation to address modern health needs and improve the quality and safety of pharmaceuticals in the country.
The transition, however, has drawn public concern over the absence of a drug inspector at the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW), a key position responsible for regulatory oversight. Addressing the matter, Prime Minister John Briceño assured that the government is working to fill the vacancy and reinforce the department.
“The minister is working on it. The appointment will happen soon, but this isn’t just a one-person job—it’s a department-wide effort,” Briceño said. He emphasized that under the new framework, only medications that meet the required standards will reach the shelves.
The Prime Minister also recalled issues under previous administrations, where non-compliant medications entered the market, resulting in financial losses. “We had millions in drugs rejected because they didn’t meet standards. This overhaul ensures that history does not repeat itself,” he added.
Briceño shared a personal account to underscore the impact of ineffective medicines, citing an incident in 2020. “A friend of mine struggled with pressure pills that weren’t working. When he consulted the doctor, he was told to double the dose, which was dangerous,” he recounted.
Despite current gaps in oversight, the Prime Minister assured Belizeans that the government is actively managing the transition and that the new legislation will soon provide enhanced protections. “We are handling it, and it won’t be a problem,” Briceño concluded.
