MBS asserts that meds are available for all its covered diseases and insulin shortage has been corrected

Rumours about the shortage of certain medications at the Medical
Benefits Scheme (MBS) Pharmacy are being rebuffed, but with
officials addressing the scarcity of insulin.

With an allocation of approximately EC$19 million for
pharmaceutical procurement, the MBS says it caters for 11 chronic

conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and
cardiovascular diseases.

Therefore it is assuring all beneficiaries that the medications for
managing these chronic conditions are accessible through its
network of pharmacies.

However, the MBS is acknowledging a recent challenge concerning
the availability of Lantus (Insulin Glargine), one of the insulin types
reportedly listed in the MBS Formulary.

A release from the Scheme states that, during the week of January
15, both Lantus presentations – that is, vials and pens/cartridges –
showed zero stock at the Central Procurement Unit.

It says “this shortage resulted from the global supply issues
addressed in the August 2023 press release, affecting not only
Antigua and Barbuda but also the wider Caribbean.”

Reportedly, on January 16, MBS pharmacies received limited stocks,
with 33 pens available at Clare Hall and six at Bolans.

The Scheme claims that some private pharmacies also had restricted
supplies; therefore patients facing an immediate shortage were
given the option to purchase the drug at private pharmacies with
full reimbursement.

Physicians were reportedly contacted to explore alternative insulin
options for those in need, the MBS says.

Further, according to the Scheme, it took proactive measures as a
result of the shortage, and therefore a shipment of Lantus (both
presentations) was received on Tuesday, January 30, 2024.

By the following day, January 31, the Scheme says that all its
pharmacies were fully restocked, ensuring beneficiaries can now
access the medication without interruption.