European Committee approves act to improve access and affordability of medicines in Malta<\/p>\n
The European Parliament’s Committee on Public Health has approved the European Critical Medicines Act.<\/p>\n
The proposed legislation seeks to reduce inequalities in access to medicines by supporting a list of medicines of common European interest, particularly where limited market size affects their availability.<\/p>\n
Among the key provisions suggested by PN MP Peter Agius is a new mechanism allowing Malta to join forces with at least four other Member States to procure medicines jointly, increasing purchasing power and securing better prices.<\/p>\n
“Maltese consumers face some of the highest medicine prices in Europe, largely because of our small market. Buying medicines for half a million people is very different from buying for hundreds of millions,” said Agius.<\/p>\n
“By purchasing together, we can not only secure lower prices for Maltese patients but also improve access to innovative medicines. I fought for legislation that recognises Malta’s unique challenges, and I am pleased that our concerns are reflected in the text adopted today.”<\/p>\n
The regulation approved by the Committee, following negotiations with the Council, introduces collaborative joint procurement, enabling smaller Member States to aggregate demand and making Malta a more attractive market for pharmaceutical suppliers.<\/p>\n
In addition, pharmaceutical companies receiving EU or national funding will be required to prioritise the supply of medicines to the European market, a measure expected to improve access to innovative treatments in Malta.<\/p>\n
The Malta Health Network welcomed the committee’s vote, saying the new rules should improve Maltese patients’ access to critical and innovative medicines on a more equitable basis. The organisation added that the proposed mechanisms would promote greater transparency in the use of public funds and a more efficient use of resources, helping to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Malta’s healthcare system.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n