Roadtown, Tortola - His Excellency the Governor after consultation with the Public Service Commission (PSC) has appointed Ms. Gracia Wheatley to the post of Chief of Drugs and Pharmaceutical Services in the Ministry of Health and Social Development.
Ms. Wheatley, who took up her appointment on May 4, has certificates in pharmacy from the Barbados Community College and public administration from the University of the West Indies, management of drug supplies from the University of Limpopo, a bachelor of science degree with honours in management studies from the University of the West Indies and a master’s of science degree with distinction in pharmaceutical services and medicines control from the University of Bradford in the United Kingdom.
Ms. Wheatley has over 27 years experience in all facets of pharmacy. She joined the public service in 1981 as a laboratory and pharmacy trainee. Upon her return from the Barbados Community College in 1987, she was promoted to the post of pharmacist at Peebles Hospital. In 1990 she was promoted to the post of senior pharmacist and in 2008 she was promoted to the post of pharmacy manager with the BVI Health Services Authority.
The Chief of Drugs and Pharmaceutical Services is responsible for managing the BVI National Drug/Pharmaceutical Management and Regulatory Service, advising on the procurement of safe, effective pharmaceuticals, monitoring the quality of pharmaceuticals entering the country, overseeing the importation and handling of the narcotic and psychotropic substances in the country.
Additionally, she is responsible for performing reporting requirements as stated by the International Narcotic Control Board in Vienna, Austria, the drafting and administration of the national drug policy and monitoring and enforcement of the local pharmacy industry and practice standards.
British Virgin Islands News