A Labour motion calling for a parliamentary debate on Opposition Leader Alex Borg’s comments about generic medicines was not taken up in Parliament on Monday.
Following parliamentary questions, Labour Whip Naomi Cachia spoke about the motion she presented earlier today, which seeks to clarify the comments that were made – that generic medicines were inferior - and resolve any doubts, as well as express full confidence in medical professionals.
Cachia said that numerous statements had been made in recent days concerning public health and generic medicines, with the Opposition casting doubt on the issue.
She said that government MPs had long been asking for these doubts to be withdrawn.
“Parliament must recognise facts and what is scientific,” Cachia said, adding that the country needed a debate to end the unnecessary alarm and provide public reassurance.
Cachia called for a civil and responsible debate to reaffirm trust in generic medicines and support for the local pharmaceutical industry, which she said had been unfairly affected by unfounded claims.
“We must speak responsibly when it comes to public health,” she added.
However, Opposition whip Robert Cutajar said the Opposition disagreed with holding the debate immediately.
“From our side, there is no agreement for this subject to be discussed today,” Cutajar said, adding that the matter had only been raised moments earlier.
Cachia invited PN MPs to explain why the Opposition was refusing to debate the issue, asking what problem they have to discuss this matter.
Cutajar replied that the Opposition was simply asking for the House to follow parliamentary procedure.
As a result, the Labour motion to hold the debate on the same day was not discussed in Parliament.
The Labour Party then issued a statement saying that for the Nationalist Opposition, public health is not a priority.
It said that Borg made false statements about generic medicines, to the extent that the authorities, stakeholders, professionals in the sector, and even his own spokesperson came out to contradict him and dispel the doubt he created, now the Nationalist Party does not want to hold a debate in Parliament following the motion presented by Whip Naomi Cachia calling for a civil debate based on scientific facts.
“Not only that, but even the medical professionals within the Nationalist Parliamentary Group do not want to provide this reassurance and put an end to this doubt once and for all,” the statement said.
The PL said that instead, the PN has persisted in hiding behind parliamentary procedures, and by doing so, it continues to allow doubts that may have dangerous repercussions.
“The Labour Party will continue to insist that this matter be discussed immediately in the highest institution of the country, because for every minute that doubt exists among our population about generic medicines, lives could be at risk,” the PL statement said.