Medicines: Chamber section says no to price control but yes to reduction in prices

The HealthCare Business Section of the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry said it was against price control but not against reduction in prices where these were justified.

The section was referring to a statement by Finance Minister Tonio Fenech that price orders shall be issued for pharmaceutical products for which prices were found to be excessively high when compared to other EU member states.

The section said it was through its cooperation that a workable formula was established and agreed upon by all members of the Price Monitoring Committee to ensure fair pricing for medicinal products on the local market.

If the Committee had to work effectively and efficiently, the formula would have protected both the public and importers and distributors, who did their best to ensure that the people had at their disposal a variety of preparations and the latest products as these became available.

The minister knew only too well that it was not an alternative system to the one established by the Pricing Committee that was required. It was the efficient functioning of this committee that the minister had to ensure.

The minister was, the section said, was fully aware as to why this committee was not working and he should see to it that existing obstacles were eliminated if the government really wanted to resolve the issue.

“It is the government’s duty to explain to the public, in very clear and unequivocal terms, why the Pricing Committee is not functioning as it should.”

The section said it was totally against price control but it not against reduction in prices where these were justified.

It didnot defend cowboys and it would be four square behind the government to ensure that the people were paying a fair price for medicines placed on the market.

“Where medicines are concerned, it is not a question of comparing like with like, because there are many factors that determine a price on the market.

“Controlling an unbridled horse is one thing, but controlling all horses, even those who are giving our people a fair deal, is another.”

The section said that reference pharmacies were objectionable because these created animosity among professionals – a situation had to be avoided at all costs.

“We know, and the government knows only too well, that as per our original agreement if and when a medicinal is imported by the government it is to be made available to all pharmacies through a distribution network that is already in place and has proved its worth over the years,” the section said.