EU Committee Backs Peter Agius’ Proposal To Help Malta Secure Cheaper Medicines

The European Parliament’s Committee on Public Health has approved the European Critical Medicines Act, including amendments proposed by Maltese MEP Peter Agius aimed at improving access to and the affordability of medicines in Malta.

One of the key measures would allow Malta to join forces with at least four other EU member states to purchase medicines jointly, giving smaller countries greater bargaining power and helping secure lower prices.

“Maltese consumers face some of the highest medicine prices in Europe, largely because of our small market,” Agius said. “By purchasing together, we can not only secure lower prices for Maltese patients but also improve access to innovative medicines.”

The proposed legislation is designed to reduce inequalities in access to medicines across the EU by supporting the supply of medicines considered to be of common European interest, particularly in smaller markets where availability can be limited.

It also introduces new rules requiring pharmaceutical companies that receive EU or national funding to prioritise supplying medicines to the European market, a move expected to improve access to critical and innovative treatments in Malta.

Agius said the Critical Medicines Act, together with the upcoming Pharmaceutical Package, should help deliver more affordable medicines and a more reliable supply for Maltese patients.

The Malta Health Network welcomed the committee’s approval, saying the proposed rules would improve equitable access to medicines while promoting greater transparency and strengthening the long-term sustainability of Malta’s healthcare system.

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Gabriel Falzon

Gabriel Falzon is a social media executive at Lovin Malta, with a keen interest in digital media, local businesses, and the natural world. Outside of work, you’ll often find him baking up a storm, diving into video games, or exploring the endless corners of YouTube.