Regional Pharmaceuticals Management Project

The project is authorized for implementation by the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) with a grant of $3,500,000 over a five-year period. The project consists of assisting the seven OECS member countries in developing policies and programs that will result in more efficient utilization of health sector resources. This will be achieved through the creation of the Eastern Caribbean Drug Service (ECDS) within the OECS as a self-financing pooled procurement and drug supply management service. The project agreement, which may be negotiated and executed by the officer to whom such authority is delegated in accordance with AID regulations, shall be subject to the following essential terms and conditions, among others. The source and origin of commodities financed by AID under the project shall have their source and origin in the participating countries of the Eastern Caribbean or in the United States, except as AID may otherwise agree in writing. Prior to the first disbursement under the grant or to the issuance by AID of documentation pursuant to which disbursement will be made, the Grantee will furnish to AID satisfactory information and substance, including an opinion of counsel acceptable to AID that the Agreement has been duly authorized and ratified by, and executed on behalf of the Grantee, and that it constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of the Grantee, in accordance with all of its terms. The Grantee will also provide a time-phased implementation plan which includes the time-frame and assigned responsibility for the procurement of long-term technical assistance, establishment and staffing of the Eastern Caribbean Drug Service, and procurement of the vehicles. Additionally, the Grantee will covenant to provide such personnel as are necessary to assure the effective implementation of the project, including an accounts officer, until such time as the technical assistance team is in place and able to assume those duties. The project will be implemented in the seven OECS member countries, including Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The project will be managed by the OECS, with the assistance of a technical assistance team, and will be funded by a grant of $3,500,000 from AID. The project's planned life is five years from the date of obligation, and the total estimated cost of the project is $3,102,396. The project's implementation will be phased, with the first phase focusing on the establishment of the ECDS and the second phase focusing on the procurement of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies. The project's success will be evaluated through regular monitoring and evaluation, and the project's impact will be assessed through a final evaluation at the end of the project's life.