The Association of Pharmacists of Haiti (APH) congratulates the Government for the creation of the scientific unit which will have to produce recommendations in order to help the country to better face COVID-1 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30384-haiti-politic-creation-of-a-scientific-cell-to-manage-the-covid-19-crisis.html , however, considering the multidisciplinary approach that the health system requires have better results, the APH notes "[...] that there are no anthropologists, nurses or pharmacists within the cell, which are nevertheless essential elements in achieving the objectives of this cell [...]"

"[...] on the other hand, the APH observes that the use of chloroquine in the management of Covid-19 continues to fuel scientific debates around the world. However beyond the exchanges in favor or against chloroquine, the APH is concerned about the euphoria of the population for the purchase of this drug to be used for preventive and/or curative purposes without medical advice.

In this sense, the Association advises Prime Minister Joseph Jouthe to review the composition of the scientific unit and requests the Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP) to take the necessary measures to control the distribution of chloroquine throughout the national territory [...]"

Let's recall regarding the APH request to the Ministry to control the distribution of chloroquine, that in a circular dated March 31, 2020 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30427-haiti-healthnotice-to-pharmacists-and-the-public-on-chloroquine.html Marie Gréta Roy Clément, the Minister of Public Health reminds pharmacist managers and owners of pharmacies that "[...] chloroquine must be dispensed exclusively on presentation of a medical prescription issued by an authorized health professional."

Note that beyond the division in scientific circles and the financial interests of large pharmaceutical groups and research laboratories, the treatment of Covid-19 with hydroxychloroquine for all patients whose the Covid-19 screening test is positive, has been generalized under prescription since April 3 in at least 14 hospitals, among our Dominican neighbors. https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30444-haiti-covid-19-daily-bulletin-april-4-2020.html as in other countries including the United States and Portugal.

See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30444-haiti-covid-19-daily-bulletin-april-4-2020.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30427-haiti-healthnotice-to-pharmacists-and-the-public-on-chloroquine.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30358-haiti-health-shortage-of-disinfectant-solutions-the-pharmacists-association-proposes.html

HL/ S/ HaitiLibre