Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Business Section

This Business Section falls under the Manufacturers and Other Industries Economic Group.

The Pharmaceuticals Manufacturers Business Section aims to:

  • Continue to follow the Hazardous waste management and Environment issue
  • Awareness of Pharmaceuticals Industry in Malta
  • Participate in, provide feedback and support to the manufacturing campaign to be organised by the Manufacturing Economic Group Board
  • Addressing the education needs of the sector through meetings with stakeholders
  • Follow up the Medicinal Pricing Committee issue

Executive Committee

Dr Claude A. Farrugia - Chairman
Mr Patrick Cachia - Deputy Chairman
Mr Dino Mangion
Mr Vittorio Giromini

Secretariat Support

Mr Robert Tabone Valetta - robert.tabone@maltachamber.org.mt

2010

Position on Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority Act

The Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Business Section examined the draft Bill entitled Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority Act 2010 and in the process of consultation expressed serious reservations at the intent expressed in the Bill to convert the Medicines Authority into the Medicines Institute as one entity within the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority.

The Business Section expressed concern at the fact that the proposed integration of the Medicines Authority as an entity within a large authority, rather than continuing to exist as an independent separate authority, would be poorly viewed by the European Medicines Agencies and other authorities abroad. This included the Food and Drug Administration in the United States, where local companies have recently enjoyed success in penetrating extra-European markets. It was stressed that the acceptance of the Maltese Medicines Authority by the FDA is of strategic importance for the foreign investment companies in the sector. A change in the line of management of the Authority, particularly one where the Authority falls under the jurisdiction of a Board of Governors answering to a Minister responsible for competition and consumer affairs could potentially lead to jeopardising not only the relationships of foreign authorities with the local authority, but indeed the very basis of Mutual Recognition Agreements between third countries and Europe.

Working Committee on the Pricing of Medicinal Products

Representatives of the Business Section continued to participate in discussions and submit positions within the Working Committee on the Pricing of Medicinal Products.