The current debate regarding the accessibility and availability of affordable quality medicinal products in Malta was the subject of a meeting between the Malta Federation of Industry (FOI) and European Parliament member Joseph Muscat.

The purpose of the meeting, which took place at the FOI premises in Floriana, was for FOI officials, headed by FOI president Adrian Bajada, to exchange views with the Maltese MEP on topical matters that have a direct effect on industry’s competitiveness.

The meeting also focused on the second European Parliament reading of the new EU Chemicals policy directive (often referred to as REACH – Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals).

FOI officials expressed their appreciation of Mr Muscat’s commitment in bringing the effect of medicine registrations to the attention of the European Parliament in his endeavours to resolve the current problem in Malta. The FOI officials were also pleased to note that, in his reply, European Commissioner Günther Verheugen confirmed that small member states such as Malta and Luxembourg could apply the simplified registration measures that have already been adopted by the government.

However, the FOI said in a statement that while a simplified registration process is desirable, unlike other EU small member states, Malta possesses a thriving pharmaceutical manufacturing industry and care must be taken that the simplification of the medicines registration process will not, in the long term, render the Medicines Authority unable to provide the necessary regulatory support that is crucial to sustain this industry.

Thus, while the FOI would welcome a solution to the current issue of medicines availability, it stresses the need for consultation with the local pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, as a key component of the country’s economy that can contribute realistically to the public health situation.

During the meeting, FOI officials stressed that Malta should support the common position of the EU Council on REACH, and that if there are any further cost increases, other amendments must be introduced elsewhere in the proposal in order to reduce costs. This view is widely shared by the EU Council.

The “Duty of Care” provision being proposed within the REACH proposal was also highlighted to be of major concern for business operators. While most enterprises agree with this principle, the provision is believed to be too wide in its interpretation and may consequently lead to unclear and unlimited implications. The FOI officials therefore presented Mr Muscat with a proposed text for this provision, which he was asked to present to the respective EP committee on REACH.

Accompanying the FOI president at this meeting was council member and Environment Committee chairman Godwin C. Micallef and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Sector Group coordinator Dr Claude Farrugia, as well as executive Cecilia Vella.