Prices of ‘large amount’ of medicines reduced to increase accessibility and affordability

The prices of a ‘large amount’ of medicinal products will be reduced in order to increase accessibility and affordability for Maltese and Gozitan citizens, Minister for Tourism and Consumer Protection Clayton Bartolo announced on Thursday afternoon.

In conjunction with the Malta Medicine Authority, 42 originator medicines, including medicinal products for high blood pressure, cholesterol, anxiety, neurological conditions, antibiotics and coronary heart disease, will have their price reduced by 59%.

No fewer than 29 generic medicines, which act as alternative medicines to originator medicines, will be made cheaper with a reduction of 73% of the original prices.

Additionally, nine new medicinal products will also be added to the Maltese markets. While it is unclear what these products are, Bartolo said that they will be available in different forms, including liquid form. This will make the medicines more convenient for elderly citizens to take.

Through this initiative, patients will be given a wider choice of medicines that are accessible as well as affordable, Bartolo said.

He added that all of the products that have been reduced, as well as the nine new medicine products, are efficient, of good quality, and are for sale across the European Union.

The Medicines Authority has seen a significant investment in human resources, Bartolo said. While 2013 saw 25 professionals forming part of the Medicines Authority, this year there are over 90 professionals working in the authority.

In light of Workers’ Day, Bartolo hopes that this reduction in prices will show workers that their health is the government’s priority.

Parliamentary Secretary for Consumer Protection and Public Cleansing Deo Debattista joined Bartolo in the announcement, where he said that the patient has always been at the centre of the Medicine Authority’s interests.

This initiative will see marked drops in prices, particularly for medicines with specific niches, such as medicines to treat eye infections.