There are 320 pending applications for the opening of pharmacies across Malta and Gozo, Health Minister Godfrey Farrugia told Claudio Grech (PN) in reply to a parliamentary question.
256 applications have been pending for more than 10 years.
Ten applications were submitted over the past 10 months.
24 applications are for the opening of pharmacies in Birkirkara and 21 in Sliema.