The government is adamant to seek a solution whereby prices of medicines are reduced to acceptable levels to benefit the Maltese consumer.

In a statement, the Parliamentary Secretariat for Consumers said stakeholders and importers were welcome to put forward their suggestions on how to find a proper solution.

However, the government reiterated its position that should discussions within the working committee on the pricing of medicines reach a deadlock, it would reserve the right to remedy the situation.

“Should the importers keep on ignoring the recommendations and fail to reduce prices, government may decide to turn these same recommendations into mandatory. It may also opt to start importing medicines,” it warned.

Since January, requests for reduction in prices of 153 medicines were made by the working committee. All were ignored.

“This situation is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated any longer.”

The secretariat said the government was satisfied that the Health Care Business Section of the Chamber of Commerce was in favour of fair pricing of medicines and that it deemed that the working committee was working properly.

This committee, chaired by Parliamentary Secretary Chris Said, held regular meetings, the next being on June 18, when stakeholders were expected to make concrete proposals to reach the stated aim of ensuring fair prices in the interests of consumers.