Pharmacists requested to provide information on alleged political discrimination

Health Minister Konrad Mizzi has requested the Chamber of Pharmacists to provide further information on the alleged political discrimination in the distribution of medicines.

At the same time, the ministry reiterated that no political discrimination on the distribution of medicines has occurred.

The alleged discrimination was reported by a pharmacist, Denise Ellul, during a political activity organised by the Nationalist Party. The PN media went on to allege that Labour MP Silvio Parnis was “personally distributing” medicines at the PL clubs – a report which was denied by the MP.

In a statement issued this evening, the health ministry said it was 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,” the ministry said.

In comments to Sunday newspaper Illum, the Chamber of Pharmacists confirmed that some of its members had reported the purported abuse.  On its part, the Chamber informed the Health Department of its pharmacists’ reports who in return promised to look into the matter.

Following these media reports, the ministry called the President of the Malta Chamber of Pharmacists to bring forward a meeting which was already scheduled.

Konrad Mizzi has now 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,” the ministry reiterated.

“The availability of medicines for all is one of the key projects which is being sponsored at the highest levels by the Ministry.”