Prices of 13 medical products reduced, some drastically

● 14 new generic medications introduced

The prices of 13 medical products have been reduced, some drastically, and 14 new generic medicines have been introduced to the Maltese market, Parliamentary Secretary for Consumer Protection Deo Debattista announced yesterday.

Speaking to press at one of the stakeholders of the initiative, Alfred Gera & Son’s Ltd., Debattista said that such reductions increased the compliancy of medicinal products in relation to consumers.

Debattista said that from various studies conducted around different countries, it has been found that about 50 per cent of patients do not adhere to treatment from their doctor, meaning that, for some reason, the patient would not be able to follow medical advice. Debattista said on average, out of this 50 per cent, 60

14 new generic medicines

Debattista also announced the introduction of 14 new generic medicines to the market, varying from Asthma treatment, to Dementia treatment and Cholesterol medication. The generic medicines are also being sold on the market at big price differences, with differences up to 59% when compared to their alternative product of the generic medicinal product.

Montelukast Teva 4mg Graunles (sachets x28), Asthma medication, the generic medicine for Dingulair Paediatric 4mg granules (sachets x28) are being sold at a reduced price of 59% from the latter.

Other new generic medicines include Sidena, Serlan, Rosuva, Rosuvastatin Teva, Serlan, Lanzol, Rosuova, Rosuvastatin Teva, Nemtadine, Memantine Torrent, Etoricoxib Milpharm and Senna.

When asked how this reduction in prices came about, Medicines Authority Chief Anthony Serracino Inglott, who was also present at the press conference, said that they decreased because of “strong collaborations” between agents, institutions and stakeholders alike and “cooperation between everyone in different markets.”