The Malta Chamber of Pharmacists referred to the recent reports in the printed and broadcasting media on preferential treatment of patients vis a vis the distribution of medicines under the POYC scheme and more recently, the bizarre situation whereby it has been reported that POYC medicines are being distributed through village club/s (kazini).

"If this is the case then the distribution of medicines has become politicized to unbelievable proportions," the chamber said in a statement.

The Chamber is the national pharmacy association and trade union and it is apolitical. But the Chamber does represent its members who are pharmacists and is also responsible for the well being of society pharmacists serve, that is patients.

If medicines are being distributed as has been alleged, through village club/s, it is of grave concern and to the detriment of public health. It is also in serious breach of the laws of Malta (Medicines Act). The Chamber and its members expect that those who are vested with the powers at law – POYC Responsible Persons, the Medicines Authority, the Licensing Authority – take the immediate and necessary steps to investigate and stop this alleged abuse. They must safeguard the public by ensuring that any medicine is only dispensed from licensed premises – pharmacies – by pharmacists in private community pharmacies, who are the only ones responsible and entitled to dispense medicines through a POYC service to entitled registered patients.

The Chamber informs all concerned, including the public that pharmacists are under directive not to accept instructions from Ministries or POYC department on preferential supply of POYC medicines on named patient basis. The Chamber fully supports all Pharmacists in their day to day practice which should be serene and calls on the Minister for Health and Energy and Parliamentary Secretary for Health to ensure dignity and equitable access to medicines by all POYC registered patients through their Pharmacist of choice in the community and that these health care professionals are respected.

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The Ministry of Health reiterated that no political discrimination on the distribution of medicines has occurred under this administration.

The Ministry is committed to ensure the availability of medicines to all those entitled. We are also committed that this is done in a fair, transparent and accountable manner through the Pharmacy of Your Choice initiative. The Minister and the Parliamentary Secretary will not tolerate any form of discrimination with respect to patients.

Following recent reports in the media, the Minister has called the President of the Malta Chamber of Pharmacists to bring forward a meeting which was already scheduled. The Minister has requested the Chamber of Pharmacists to provide further information on the matter.

We reiterate that no discriminatory practices will be allowed to take place under the watch of the Minister and the Parliamentary Secretary. The Health Leadership team is committed to act on any information, should this be provided by the Chamber of Pharmacists or any other sources.