The Medicines Authority gas launched a number of initiatives through which more information on medicines is being given to consumers and health care professionals. These initiatives which form part of an ongoing campaign, ‘Know Your Medicines’ – ‘Il-Medicini Tieghek: X`Ghandek tkun taf,’ are being carried out in line with the results of a research carried out by the Medicines Authority with Maltese consumers.

This research shows that more than 60 per cent of the consumers who participated in telephone interviews, always or frequently read the package leaflet accompanying a medicine before taking the medicine for the first time. More than 85 per cent of consumers who participated in the survey were not aware of the difference between originator medicines and generic medicines. The survey also shows that three per cent of consumers have bought medicines through the internet, while 35 per cent of consumers who experienced a side effect, reported it to the doctor.

These results were presented during a visit by Parliamentary Secretary for Consumers and Fair Competition Chris Said, at the Medicines Authority. Dr Said was received by the Chief Executive Officer Patricia Vella Bonanno.

Chris Said explained that during 2010, the Medicines Authority authorised 550 medicines, which means that such medicines, can be placed on the local market. He explained how an increase in the number of medicinal products authorised, aids competition for the benefit of the consumer.

Parliamentary Secretary Chris Said said that since the establishment of the Medicines Authority, seven years ago, the pharmaceutical sector in the country has undergone a significant reform; today, in Malta there are more than 25 licensed manufacturers and importers, more than 70 licensed wholesale dealers, and more than 200 licensed pharmacies. Dr Said explained how through the Medicines Authority, the whole distribution chain of medicinal products is regulated, from their manufacturing or importation up to the point when they are sold to the public.

Parliamentary Secretary Chris Said congratulated the Medicines Authority for the three awards granted by the Malta People Awards 2010 organised by the Foundation for Human Resources Development (FHRD). Through these Awards, the Authority has been recognised for employee engagement, the level of excellence it registers in the learning and development of its employees, and for offering equal opportunities.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Medicines Authority Patricia Vella Bonanno described the various initiatives being taken so that objective information about medicines and their use is conveyed. The website www.knowyourmedicines.gov.mt, launched recently, contains relevant information for the consumer.

The list of medicinal products authorised to be placed on the market in Malta has been published on the website www.maltamedicineslist.com. This provides an accessible service to consumers, doctors and healthcare professionals through which different medicinal products containing the same active ingredient can be compared. Dr Vella Bonanno explained that an information leaflet on medicines has been published and is being distributed to all pharmacies in Malta and Gozo, as well as door to door in a number of local councils which have responded to the Authority’s invitation. Meanwhile, a new information leaflet on originator and generic medicines is being prepared.

The Medicines Authority has also created a page on facebook (www.facebook.com/medicinesmalta) as well as a helpline service (23439111) where the consumer can ask for general information on medicines. This service is being offered daily from Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 12:00.

Parliamentary Secretary Chris Said mentioned that the Government, through the Consumer and Competition Department, is carrying out an exercise leading to a reduction in the prices of medicines. He said that although since last July to-date, the prices of 129 medicines were reduced, this is not enough and the Government is committed to continue with this exercise together with importers and all stakeholders concerned, through which the prices of a wider range of medicines will be reduced thus benefitting the local consumer.

Chris Said explained that the Working Committee on the Pricing of Medicinal Products made up of representatives from the Government, importers of medicinal products, and other stakeholders, were assigned the task of updating the process through which the average prices of medicines in Europe is established.

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