The introduction of new cultures and administration methods in the past few months has already seen a “drastic” drop in the number of medicines that are out of stock throughout the Maltese health system. The new methods are based on modern systems and foundations of enterprise resource planning that facilitate and strengthen the supply/value chain.

Answering a parliamentary question by Claudette Buttigieg (PN), Health Minister Godfrey Farrugia on Wednesday pointed out that the problem of out-of-stock medicines had been inherited from the previous administration.

Because the situation was dynamic by nature and could vary from day to day, a mechanism was in use to facilitate the redistribution of stocks as necessary.

Also because medicine shortages could be precipitated by international situations, the Ministry of Health had joined other organisations in fellow EU member states in similar circumstances. The ministry was taking part in meetings organised specifically to strengthen cooperation at a European level, with a view to identifying lasting solutions.

Dr Farrugia said the present improved situation was still unacceptable and needed change. To this end the Budget for 2014 had announced a White Paper for the Government to hear proposals from anybody interested.