I refer to the article entitled “Medicines prices solution expected by month’s end” by David Lindsey, (TMIS, 18 June).

Reference is made to the comments and allegations made by General Retailers and Traders Union (GRTU) Pharmaceutical Section Head Mario Debono, in the above-mentioned article, concerning Government Pharmaceutical Services (GPS) and its management.

While acknowledging that there is still a considerable sum of arrears yet to be settled, notwithstanding all constraints, over the period January – May the GPS has paid pharmaceutical suppliers more than 45 per cent of the allocated budgetary vote. This surely does not make the GPS “notoriously inefficient” as claimed by Mr Debono.

Mr Debono seems to imply that the tendering process is something that is stipulated by the GPS. Surely the GPS cannot be taken to task for strictly adhering to the Government Financial and Auditing regulations when procuring pharmaceuticals. Such regulations are applicable to all Government

institutions and the GPS should not be criticised for verifying that delivered pharmaceuticals are in conformity with published contractual obligations.

It must be emphasised that the GPS is not a business concern but a Government Department entrusted with providing a service essential for patient care. The purpose of the GPS is to procure, store and distribute medicinal and medical devices for use in all Government institutions and it was in agreement with the Chamber of Pharmacists that it was decided to have it headed by a pharmacist.

Emanuel Abela

Director of Information