Preparation for a medical mission to Jamaica--pharmacy's perspective.

OBJECTIVE: To describe preparation of a medical mission from a pharmacy team's perspective. METHODS: Essential components of the medication planning process include the development of a separate medication budget, a medication formulary (based on needs assessment and availability) and acquisition of medications and medical supplies. RESULTS: For the medical mission to Jamaica, medications are often purchased or donated from various locations, including retail pharmacies, drug wholesalers, medication drives, pharmaceutical companies, and medication assistance programmes specific to medical missions. It is essential to understand the policy associated with the importation of medications which can be found in the Approval Process for Food, Drugs, Cosmetics, Medical devices, Precursor Chemicals and Narcotics, a paper developed by the Ministry of Health, Jamaica. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated levels of planning and preparation are required for the medical mission to Jamaica to be a success; assistance and cooperation is necessary from all members of the interdisciplinary medical mission team. It is imperative to plan ahead, be organized and equipped to handle unexpected situations so that quality care can be delivered to the patients to be served.