Region forms single health body

GEORGETOWN – Caribbean governments are launching a regional health agency based in Trinidad and Tobago.
The Caribbean Public Health Agency will replace five agencies including the regional drug testing laboratory. The agencies currently are spread across islands including St Lucia, Jamaica and Trinidad.
The secretariat of the 15-nation Caribbean Community trade bloc said yesterday that the consolidation would eliminate waste and inefficiency.
A regional delegation will meet next week with officials from the Pan American Health Organisation, which is assisting with funding and technical expertise for the agencies.
The consolidation is expected to begin in December, with completion slated for 2015. (AP)