UPDATED - An investigation by the Health Ministry has shown that there was no political discrimination in the distribution of medicines, Health Minister Konrad Mizzi said today.

The PN, however, rejected his claim.

The minister noted that the claim had been made by a pharmacist during a PN event. He said the pharmacist was questioned as part of the investigation, which was spearheaded by the permanent secretary within the ministry.

The Chamber of Pharmacists was also asked to see whether any of its members  had any similar complaints or allegations.

The minister said he was not happy with the current state of the Pharmacy of Your Choice Scheme and efforts were being made to improve the situation.

Dr Mizzi was speaking during a visit to Fairyland and the surgical wards on the occasion of Worker’s Day. He was accompanied by Parliamentary Secretary Chris Fearne.

Parliamentary Secretary Fearne said that later this week a recruitment drive would be announced for more people to be employed in health sector, filling existing vacancies.

Dr Mizzi and Dr Fearne thanked health workers. Even today, they pointed out, there were operations being carried out.

PN REACTION

In a reaction, the Nationalist Party said the minister was trying to make the people believe that there was no discrimination.

If he had nothing to hide, he should publish the report of the internal investigation made by his politically-appointed permanent secretary. But the very fact that the investigation was made by this person further raised doubts on the whole issue. 

The PN said reports about discrimination in the granting of medicines have been circulating in the media for months. The minister could not expect the media to take his word that no such discrimination was taking place on the basis of a report drawn up in a hurry on the eve of the European Parliament elections. 

The discrimination reported by the media revealed abuse of power and discrimination between those close to the Labour Party and the rest of the people, it  said.