Accessibility to medicines is a priority

The Malta Medicines Authority organised a meeting at the Malta Life Sciences Park earlier this month to engage with stakeholders on the approach to potential Brexit scenarios and to understand the concerns and requirements of all stakeholders.

Together with other member states and the European Medicines Agency, the Malta Medicines Authority has taken a proactive approach to support stakeholders in their business continuity for the benefit of patients. The Authority is undergoing capacity building to deal with the increased demands for its services and is providing targeted advice and training.

The parliamentary secretary for Consumer Protection and Valletta 2018 Deo Debattista addressed the stakeholder meeting. Dr Debattista emphasised how government is committed to ensure availability of medicines postBrexit which satisfy the rigorous EU quality assurance requirements. He assured those involved in pharmaceuticals that government is pro-business which is of benefit to the country and supports the private sector in its endeavour to ensure continuous supply of medicines following Brexit.

The chairperson of the Malta Medicines Authority, Professor Anthony Serracino Inglott, informed stakeholders that the Authority is optimising its role within the European regulatory network and maintaining its strong working relationships with the UK colleagues. Interest by the pharmaceutical industry to register medicines through Malta has increased. He assured the full commitment of its highly qualified professionals to support the registration of medicines in Malta.

Stakeholders expressed their concerns about post-Brexit outcomes and that they look forward to work together with the Medicines Authority team to overcome the challenges. The possibility of positive opportunities emerging from Brexit related to healthcare, such as the establishment in Malta of offices for notified bodies for medical devices, were explored.

All stakeholders requiring clarification or assistance from the Medicines Authority, especially related to the registration of medicines, may contact the director for Licensing, Helen Vella.