Closing of FDA lab could impact continuity of medication services

By The Star Staff

Puerto Rican Pharmacy Cooperative (Coopharma) Executive Director Heriberto Ortiz stated in a radio interview Wednesday that the closure of a local U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) laboratory could impact the quality control of medications in Puerto Rico.

“We are facing a situation where this is not a light issue, [but rather is] an issue that impacts all Puerto Ricans and is of interest to all Puerto Ricans, and our duty as community pharmacies is to ensure the full continuity of these services,” Ortiz said. “The best and safest immediate alternative is for all providers to continue purchasing from Puerto Rican suppliers who have undergone rigorous surveillance.”

The federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) laid off 26 employees of the laboratory located in San Juan on Monday due to President Trump’s Executive Order 14210.

The order requires all federal agency heads to promptly undertake preparations to initiate large-scale reductions in force (RIFs), consistent with applicable law, and to separate from federal service temporary employees and reemployed annuitants working in areas that will likely be subject to the RIFs.

“All offices that perform functions not mandated by statute or other law shall be prioritized in the RIFs, including all agency diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives; all agency initiatives, components, or operations that my Administration suspends or closes; and all components and employees performing functions not mandated by statute or other law who are not typically designated as essential during a lapse in appropriations as provided in the Agency Contingency Plans on the Office of Management and Budget website,” the order notes. “This subsection shall not apply to functions related to public safety, immigration enforcement, or law enforcement.”