The European Parliament's Committee on Public Health has approved the European Critical Medicines Act.

The proposed legislation seeks to reduce inequalities in access to medicines by supporting a list of medicines of common European interest, particularly where limited market size affects their availability.

Among the key provisions suggested by PN MP Peter Agius is a new mechanism allowing Malta to join forces with at least four other Member States to procure medicines jointly, increasing purchasing power and securing better prices.

"Maltese consumers face some of the highest medicine prices in Europe, largely because of our small market. Buying medicines for half a million people is very different from buying for hundreds of millions," said Agius.

"By purchasing together, we can not only secure lower prices for Maltese patients but also improve access to innovative medicines. I fought for legislation that recognises Malta's unique challenges, and I am pleased that our concerns are reflected in the text adopted today."

The regulation approved by the Committee, following negotiations with the Council, introduces collaborative joint procurement, enabling smaller Member States to aggregate demand and making Malta a more attractive market for pharmaceutical suppliers.

In addition, pharmaceutical companies receiving EU or national funding will be required to prioritise the supply of medicines to the European market, a measure expected to improve access to innovative treatments in Malta.

The Malta Health Network welcomed the committee's vote, saying the new rules should improve Maltese patients' access to critical and innovative medicines on a more equitable basis. The organisation added that the proposed mechanisms would promote greater transparency in the use of public funds and a more efficient use of resources, helping to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Malta's healthcare system.