Political favouritism investigation only intent on ‘tricking the public’ – PN

The Nationalist Party has reiterated its claim that the Pharmacy of Your Choice scheme is favouring individuals close to the government’s inner circle, and despite the government's internal investigation disputing the alleged discrimination, the PN has insisted that this investigation is only trying to “deceive the public into believing that there is no discrimination.”

PN leader Simon Busuttil had previously claimed that individuals close to Labour’s core were receiving “a call from the ministry” informing them when and from where to pick up the medicines they are entitled to. 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.

The alleged discrimination was first reported by a pharmacist, Denise Ellul, during a political activity organised by the Nationalist Party.

The discrimination was quickly rebutted by the health ministry who had underlined that there are no discriminatory practices within the health sector. In addition, this morning, Health Minister Konrad Mizzi said the ministry carried out an internal investigation, and found no political discrimination.

“No political discrimination was reported from our side but the investigation did flag a number of issues which need to be improved in the Pharmacy of Your Choice (POYC) scheme,” the health minister said.

However, in a reaction, the Nationalist Party rejected the minister’s denial of the discrimination, and called on the health ministry to publish the internal investigation immediately.

“If the health minister has nothing to hide, he should publish the internal investigation made by his politically-appointed secretary immediately. Rather than quell reports of discrimination, this investigation has only served to raise further doubts.”

“After continuous complaints on political discrimination, the health minister is now trying to trick the public into believing that there is no discrimination,” the PN said.

The Nationalist Party also argued that the minister could not expect the media to take his word that no discrimination was taking place on the basis of a report conducted just days before the European elections.

“The scandals reported in the independent media on political discrimination in the distribution of free medicines reveal an abuse of individuals in their most vulnerable state. Even in the distribution of medicines, the government is favouring its core over the public, irrespective of one’s political allegiance,” it continued.