New pharmacy scheme 'will improve service'

The Pharmacy of Your Choice Scheme is expected to improve the current service, the Health Division stressed yesterday.

It said the distribution of free medicines from government pharmacies was a good service and government pharmacists did their utmost to ensure that patients are served in the best way possible.

On Monday, the Union Haddiema Maghqudin, which represents the government pharmacists, complained that the government was not defending the service after private pharmacy owners said it was not up to scratch.

"The service is complete and professional," the division said.

The Chamber for Small and Medium Enterprises - GRTU said the UHM should have waited for the advisory committee that is to analyse the details of the scheme before commenting. It said it was not right to confuse people when the scheme was a good one and would be beneficial for all.

Under the scheme, patients will be able to pick up their free medicines from the pharmacy of their choice instead of a government pharmacy. A pilot project will run in Mosta before the service is extended to the rest of the country.