The Malta Labour Party is receiving a large number of complaints about a shortage of medicines on the market and the ever-increasing cost of medicinal products, said Opposition leader Alfred Sant yesterday.

Dr Sant was speaking during a meeting with a delegation from the Chamber of Pharmacists, held to discuss the draft of the Labour’s health plans.

Although pharmacists have no control over the price of medicines, they are facing the problems caused by the registration system, said chamber president Marianne Sant Fournier.

“The Chamber of Pharmacists agrees with the current registration system, but problems arise when EU regulations are implemented,” she said.

Ms Sant Fournier stressed the importance of reducing red tape which, she said, is hindering the pharmacists’ work, according to a statement released by the MLP.

“There is the need for an urgent solution to this issue, as the rising prices are causing problems for many families who are already burdened with high electricity and water bills,” she was reported as saying.

It is clear that the medicine registration system is not successful, said Dr Sant.

“Although Malta has a free market, instead of creating fair prices it is counterproductive and seems to create cartels,” he added.

The chamber believes more importance should be given to the pharmaceutical sector.

Dr Sant pointed out that the pharmaceutical sector has many challenges due to the high expenses involved.

“It is Labour’s policy to provide the public health service for free,” said Dr Sant.

Primary health care and prevention are to be given the utmost importance, he added. “Malta has a good health care system, which is deteriorating due to the lack of organisation.”

MLP general secretary Jason Micallef and Labour spokesman for health Michael Farrugia were also present at the meeting.