The Barbados Drug Service (BDS) advises the public that effective April 1, 2024, there will be an increase in the beneficiary fee for certain prescription items dispensed at Private Participating Pharmacies under its Special Benefit Service.

This adjustment is as a result of rising operational costs since the fee’s initial implementation in 2011.  It aims to sustain the provision of quality services to all beneficiaries by the Private Participating Pharmacies.

The increase in beneficiary fee for each drug dispensed on the Special Benefit Service will be as follows:

• from $5.00 to $7.00
• from $7.00 to $10.00
• from $12.00 to $14.00

The Special Benefit Service provides drugs and related items listed in the Barbados National Drug formulary free of cost at point of service to the following beneficiaries:

• Persons 65 years of age and over
• Children under 16 years of age
• Persons who receive prescribed formulary drugs for the treatment of hypertension, diabetes, cancer, glaucoma, asthma and/or epilepsy.

The Barbados Drug Service thanks the public for its understanding in this matter as the BDS seeks to ensure the provision of quality pharmaceuticals for the residents of Barbados.

Author: Government of Barbados

Publish: March 22, 2024