The work of the competent authorities has led to substantial reductions in the prices of 54 medicines in Malta in the last few months. Details about this were given by the Minister for Active Aging Jo Etienne Abela and the Minister for Inclusion, Volunteering and Consumer Rights Julia Farrugia Portelli in a conference.
The ministers explained that through a synergy between the “Medicines Intelligence and Access Unit” within the Medicines Authority and the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority an analysis was carried out that involved the local and international pharmaceutical distributors, and eventually there was the agreement that led to a number of medicines being discounted in our country.
Minister Jo Etienne Abela said that the pandemic and the war in Ukraine had a negative impact on the manufacture of many medicines. He mentioned how the European Union is working to increase pharmaceutical plants in its territory, so that it no longer depends on third countries. The minister explained that in an international climate of inflation and permacrisis in this area, it is not easy for a small country like ours to be served with quality medicines at an affordable price. He therefore praised the work of the Medicines Authority for the essential work of its employees, who directly or indirectly work in favor of stocking medicines for citizens.
Apart from the discount in the price of these 54 medicines, 10 new generic medicines were introduced in Malta at advantageous prices. Minister Abela positively noted those medicine distributors in our country who cooperated with the Authority and explained that the discount is registered in medicines that treat a wide range of diseases such as diabetes, blood pressure high, fibromyalgia, stomach acid, high cholesterol, antibiotics, osteoporosis and psycho-pharmaceuticals. The discount varies between 9% and 54%. In the case of the medicine tafamidis, which is used in patients with rare diseases of neuropathy, a discount was made amounting to €1,900. “This is testimony to the government’s commitment to address the cost of living while ensuring the accessibility of quality medicines,” concluded Minister Abela.
Minister Julia Farrugia Portelli praised the work done which led to another victory in favor of the consumer. “This shows consistency in the work of this government to continue to protect Maltese and Gozitan families. In extraordinary circumstances in Europe and internationally we must continue to keep the patient and the consumer at the center of our work. The 2024 Budget and this reduction in these medicines is clear proof of this commitment,” explained Minister Farrugia Portelli.
“The government recognizes the importance of accessible medicines and this can only be done if their prices can be reached while ensuring the quality and safety of every product on the market,” added the Minister Farrugia Portelli meanwhile reiterated that this exercise must continue continuously.
Photos: MFAA/MIVC
