It is still not clear when the Pharmacy of Your Choice Scheme - which already exists in some localities - will be available nationwide.

When asked when the government expected the scheme to be available throughout Malta, a Health Ministry spokesman said no date had been set. "Our plans are currently being discussed and agreed by the stakeholders."

The scheme - which allows patients to pick up medicines they are entitled to for free from their chosen pharmacy - was originally meant to be available throughout Malta and Gozo by the end of 2008.

However, the target was missed when its staggered introduction was halted in mid-2008, with a high-ranking officer blaming staff shortages. The government had said the scheme's rollout was stopped for evaluation.

The system has continued to operate in 27 localities, where almost 30,000 patients can pick up their medicines from 68 pharmacies.

Last month Health Minister Joe Cassar said the scheme will continue to be rolled out in Gozo.

The spokesman said: "The logistical planning process is well underway and it is envisaged that resumption of the scheme will commence in the near future."

He pointed out that a survey carried out last year found that 92 per cent of patients who were making use of the scheme described it as 'good' or 'very good' and 84 per cent said they did not want to go back to the previous system of picking up medicines from the health centre pharmacies.