Senate debates health issues today

HEALTH MINISTER John Rahael will open debate on the Food and Drugs Amendment Bill 2004 and the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Amendment Bill 2004 in the Senate at 1.30 pm. Both Bills were laid in the House of Representatives on May 14 and passed there on June 18. In June, former health minister Dr Hamza Rafeeq said the Bill needed amendments because it would put simple medications out of the reach of low income earners. Rahael said the Bill will not affect purchase of over-the-counter drugs and Government will correct any flaws in the legislation before it goes to the Senate. Last week, Government defeated an Opposition motion to prevent the North-West Regional Health Authority (NWRHA) from being split into the North Central RHA and the NWHRA.

The same motion was defeated in the House of Representatives two weeks ago. Outside of health, National Security Minister Martin Joseph could begin debate on the Offences Against the Person Amendment Bill 2004, time permitting. The Opposition has questions for the Government on the accounts of the Community Development Ministry, the purchase of a crane by Plipdeco, ongoing projects being undertaken by the Urban Development Company of TT and the names of public authorities required to comply with the Section Seven of the Freedom of Information Act. The House of Representatives meets on Friday at 1.30 pm and debate is expected to continue on the Caribbean Community (Removal of Restrictions) Bill 2004.