Medicinal shortages: “The State should consider direct importation”

Żminijietna - Voice of the Left expressed its concern regarding shortages of certain medicines. The Leftist NGO said that the State should play a stronger role to ensure availability of such essential products.
 
"As regards the importation of medicinal products, we believe that direct government importation of essential medicinal products, should take place, without restricting private businesses from also importing them. This will reduce the risk of having shortages of essential products".
 
"The State would be playing a social role whilst also avoiding price-fixing and cartels by big-business pharmaceutical companies. Government can also consider the importation of equivalent products by smaller companies not involved in cartels, and which can then participate in the Pharmacy of Your Choice Scheme".
 
Available medicinal products should remain a chief characteristic of Malta's public health services, added Żminijietna.

Press Release 7/5/14