Parliamentary Secretary Deo Debattista recently announced price reductions on 23 medicines and five medical devices. These include antibiotics, antidepressants, antihistamines, oral contraceptives and antifungals.
The price of the penicillin antibiotic Co-amoxiclav has been reduced by 25 per cent, meaning patients can save up to €5. Other price reductions include 22 per cent on antidepressants, 18 per cent on oral contraceptive pills, and five per cent on antifungals.
The Malta Medicines Authority is also in discussions to regulate medical devices. In fact, for the first time, price reductions on medical devices, namely contact lenses, have been announced.
Simultaneously, 15 generic medicines have been introduced on the local market with a price reduction of up to 60 per cent. Patients can save up to €60 per 56 tablets on the generic medicine Pregabalin, which is indicated in neuropathic pain, when compared to the originator.
The same applies to Zolmitriptan, a medicine indicated for migraine, where patients can save up to a maximum of 60 per cent. All medicines are registered with the Malta Medicines Authority to ensure quality, safety and efficacy in line with European legislation.
Dr Debattista pointed out that accessibility was also improved by the introduction of 10 new drugs of pharmacotherapeutic importance. Among these is the antibiotic Phenoxymethypenicillin that causes less resistance when compared to other antibiotics.
The price reduction in medicines is made possible through a synergy between the Medicines Intelligence and Access Unit within the Malta Medicines Authority, the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority and local and international pharmaceutical distributors. These entities work together to safeguard patient-centred care.
The Medicines Intelligence and Access Unit proactively looks into how consumers can have more accessible medicines at fair prices. This unit also receives requests to intervene and guide the patient individually on access to medicines.
Continuous dialogue with the MCCAA and stakeholders ensures reasonable prices of medicines.
The Medicines Authority also collaborates with the government entities and the Superintendent of Public Health to ensure that medicines do not run out of stock.
Dr Debattista said that lower prices of medicines enhanced patient compliance with the recommended treatment.
The list of medicines reduced in price may be viewed on the MCCAA website (www.mccaa.org.mt) in the ‘News’ section under ‘Communication’. Apart from the list of medicines reduced in price, one can also find the list of new medicines and new generics.