Chamber of Pharmacists, GRTU ‘no political discrimination in POYC’

The Chamber of Pharmacists and the GRTU have both told the health ministry that they “never claimed” there was political discrimination in the Pharmacy of Your Choice System.

This was stated in a press statement issued by the Ministry for Health following a joint meeting between the pharmacists, the GRTU’s healthcare division and the parliamentary secretariat.

In comments given to Sunday newspaper Illum, the Chamber of Pharmacists said it had received reports of alleged discrimination from its members, reports which were then passed on to the health division.

The health ministry described the meeting as having been “productive” with all parties committed to the Pharmacy of your Choice initiative and its evolution.

“The Chamber of Pharmacists and GRTU stated clearly that they have never claimed that there was political discrimination in the POYC system,” the ministry said.

On its part, the ministry assured the two entities that the POYC was not being subjected to political discrimination in its operation.

Reports of alleged discrimination were made by a pharmacist during a political activity organised by the Nationalist Party. The PN media had also alleged that Labour MP Silvio Parnis was “personally distributing” medicines at the PL’s clubs – an allegation Parnis categorically denied.

However, both the Chamber and the GRTU pointed out that the inefficiencies of the procurement system and the POYC system was leading consumers to complain to POYC.

This occurred when specific medicines were not available at pharmacies.

“POYC from their end often seek to address such shortages at pharmacies. All parties recognise the need to improve the system without requiring customers to complain about such matters,” the ministry said. 

The POYC business process requires significant improvements, something that was conceded by all parties. The Chamber and the GRTU both agreed to collaborate in the design and implementation of such urgent improvements.

“We are committed to restructure the POYC, improve business processes and communications with Pharmacies, and enhance IT systems,” the ministry said.

The government has launched a change programme that will seek to improve all aspects related to the procurement, distribution and dispensing of medicines.