Imbert: Expired drugs is a ‘big problem’ in Trinidad and Tobago

News Gregory Mc Burnie Yesterday

Colm Imbert. - File photo by Faith Ayoung

PNM MP Colm Imbert says the issue of expired drugs is a “big problem” in Trinidad and Tobago.

He made the comment while speaking at the opposition’s weekly media briefing on December 3.

On December 2, Newsday reported on concerns raised by members of Parliament’s Public Administration and Appropriations Committee when they were told $80 million worth in drugs earmarked for the national health system was allowed to remain in storage over a ten-year period at the Ministry of Health until they all became expired and useless.

Imbert, who served as health minister between 2001-2003, said the problem is something that requires a deeper look.

He noted the problem is an issue smaller countries face.

“International suppliers force local agents to take huge quantities of drugs because it's not in their financial interest to supplies small quantities.

“So the drugs that arrive that can't be used before they expire and there is a lot of expired drugs in the system.”

PNM political leader Penelope Beckles said she spoke with former health minister Terrence Deyalsingh who served in the post from 2015 to 2025.

Beckles said he pointed out to her that there are multiple issues facing the drug sector in TT, many of which are not unique to this country.

“There is also the debate as it relates to the quality of drugs. Some people are of the view that small islands in particular, have this challenge where you are always on the lower end and the likelihood is that in terms of the quality of drugs and expired drugs, that's a possibility.”

“But if you if you look at the debate… it is a big debate that is going on globally about the expiration of drugs.”

Imbert also claimed the government plans to cease using local suppliers and begin importing generic drugs from India.

“We are told that the plan of the current administration is to import pharmaceuticals from India, using a local agent of their choice.”

Without citing his source, Imbert said he was told the government is not paying suppliers “because these are all being labelled by the current government as being PNM suppliers.”

He added, “The plan is to starve the traditional suppliers of pharmaceuticals of money, use the excuse that they are PNM, and then set up an arrangement where the $1 billion expenditure on pharmaceuticals will now be done through a local agent importing generic (drugs) from India and other places.”