Ministry of Health Launches Online Drug Database

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Pictured Above: The Honourable Dr. Lackram Bodoe greets Mr. Ricardo Mohammed, President of the Pharmacy Board of Trinidad and Tobago. Also pictured (left of Minister Bodoe) are Mr. Glenwayne Suchit and Mr. Steve Lalchan of the Private Pharmacy Retail Business Association, along with Ms. Nisha Ali, Deputy Comptroller of the Customs and Excise Division. Ministry of Health representatives present included Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jeanine St. Bernard, Ms. Melanie Noel, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Mr. Imtiaz Ali, Food and Drugs Inspector II, Chemistry, Food and Drugs Division and Ms. Anesa Siboo, Chief Pharmacist.

The Ministry of Health announced the official launch of its Regulated Medicines and Substances Portal today (Wednesday 4th March, 2026), an online drug database designed to strengthen transparency, accessibility, and regulatory oversight within Trinidad and Tobago's health sector.

In a Media Release, the Ministry said, “The platform provides public access to information on more than 10,000 drugs approved for use within the country. The online drug database underscores the Ministry's commitment to equipping citizens, key stakeholders and healthcare professionals with accurate, up-to-date data. Through the Drug Database, users can easily search for registered medicines and substances.”

Speaking at the launch, Minister of Health, the Honourable Dr. Lackram Bodoe, noted, “Together, we must ensure that the Drug Database remains an active tool, responsive to the evolving needs of our health sector and protective of the trust placed in us by the citizens and our stakeholders. This launch is not just about technology, it is about confidence, transparency and partnership.”

The event, held at the Ministry's headquarters, brought together key stakeholders.

Mr. Ricardo Mohammed, President of the Pharmacy Board of Trinidad and Tobago, welcomed the initiative and noted that the tool looked promising in advancing the regulation of drugs.

Mr. Glenwayne Suchit, President of the Private Pharmacy Retail Business Association, expressed that he was “very proud and very happy to be a part of this initiative” and pledged his continued commitment to working alongside other stakeholders.

Ms. Nisha Ali, Deputy Comptroller of the Customs and Excise Division, observed that the portal “would be of great benefit.” Guests also participated in a live demonstration of the portal, which showcased approved drugs in a streamlined, centralized and interactive database.

According to the Ministry, “The platform provides details such as the registered drug name, manufacturer information and regulatory category. Categories include antibiotics, narcotics, controlled substances, third-schedule drugs, veterinary products and non-prescription medicines each governed by specific guidelines. This initiative reflects the Ministry's ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and empower the public with reliable information for informed health decisions.”

The Ministry is reminding the public that “inclusion of a drug in the database does not replace official regulatory decisions. All guidelines remain in effect, and individuals are strongly advised not to self-prescribe based on the drugs listed in database. Citizens are also encouraged to consult qualified healthcare providers for guidance on medication use.”

Further information on the Regulated Medicines and Substances Portal is available via the Ministry's website at https://health.gov.tt/rms/portal.

Requests for additional details may be directed to the Chemistry, Food and Drugs Division at cfdd@health.gov.tt or by calling 217-4664, ext. 13504.

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