New reductions were announced yesterday in the price of some medicines but Consumer Rights Minister Helena Dalli also urged consumers to consider buying the much cheaper generic products.

These contain the same active ingredients but their appearance and packaging may be different as they are not marketed under a brand name.

Addressing a news conference at Milia’s Pharmacy in Vittoriosa, Dr Dalli announced price cuts, ranging from €1 to €34.95, in nine medicines.

Last May, prices of another 20 medicinal products were reduced.

The latest cuts were agreed following talks with foreign suppliers and multinational companies who were asked to review their prices by the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority and the Medicines Authority.

They can acquire the same type of medicine much more cheaply

In some cases suppliers agreed to source their products from different providers where the cost of labour was much cheaper, such as India, the minister said.

However, she noted that in many cases a cheaper alternative was already available on the shelves and urged consumers to heed the pharmacists’ advice whenever they suggested generic drugs.

Though patients may still have some lingering doubts when their doctor does not prescribe the generic product available, the situation is set to change in the near future.

Medicines Authority chairman Anthony Serracino-Inglott said that under a proposed EU directive, doctors would be obliged to prescribe generic as well as branded drugs. They would have to give a valid reason in writing for not doing so.

Arlette Falzon Seychell, who has been running the pharmacy for the last eight years, said the use of such products was on the rise.

“Apart from offering medical advice I also feel bound to draw my customers’ attention to the fact they can acquire the same type of medicine much more cheaply,” she said. In this respect, getting to know the consumers was crucial, she added.

Meanwhile, it was announced that a new pharmacy course at doctorate level will be offered by the University of Malta in collaboration with Illinois University of Chicago. Some 26 pharmacists are set to follow the course.

* New stock purchased by pharmacies as from August 4, 2014.