An Indian pharmaceutical company, which has just been awarded an EU compliance certificate by the Medicines Authority is planning to open an office in Malta and considering setting up a manufacturing plant in Malta.

Samir Shah, Director of S Kant Healthcare Limited, described the award of the compliance certificate as a “proud moment”, adding that the company wanted to take this to another level and open an office here.

He was speaking during a press conference where S Kant Healthcare, which has been in business for 82 years in India, and Actavis Pharma Development Centre Private Limited were awarded the Good Manufacturing Practice Certificate.

Actavis has a manufacturing plant in Malta which is already inspected by the authority, but the certificate was issued for one of its plants in India.

This was the first time that inspectors from the Malta Medicines Authority performed a Good Manufacturing Practice inspection outside of the EU.

The certification confirms that the manufacturer complies with European standards, and it allows the companies to export products to EU member states. 

“We believe in providing quality medicine at an affordable price,” Mr Shah said.

Consumer Affairs Minister Helena Dalli said that an increase in competition within the market would see a drop in prices.

An increase in EU compliant manufacturers would increase access to medicinal products in Europe, which in turn would result in a drop in prices, Dr Dalli said.