Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/385963
maltatoday, WEDNESDAY, 24 SEPTEMBER 2014 News MATTHEW AGIUS THE Minister for Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs and Civil Lib- erties, Helena Dalli visited Milia's Pharmacy in Vittoriosa yesterday on the occasion of World Pharmacists Day. The theme this year is 'Access to Your Pharmacist', with the aim of creating close relationships between the public, pharmacists and other health professionals. To mark the occasion, pharmacy students will be handing out infor- mation on medicines at local mar- kets in the coming days, to promote the theme of community pharma- cists as persons of trust. Dalli said that she hoped this information would also help to demystify medi- cines for the public. Announcing the reduction in price of nine medicines Dalli also highlighted the importance of so- called generic medicines, which are identical in chemical composition to branded products, but are often much cheaper. Chemimart CEO Reginald Fava, who is also chairman of the pharmacists' Pharmacy Own- ers Business Section of the Malta Chamber of Commerce explained that high brand-name medicine prices normally come direct from the manufacturer and not the im- porter. Professor Anthony Serracino In- glott praised the minister for her openness to different opinions dur- ing discussions on this issue, adding that he had shared many ideas with the minister. "Progress cannot be held back," he said. Regarding the promotion of ge- neric medicines by pharmacists, Serracino Inglott explained that all medicinals in Malta meet the same quality standard as in the rest of the EU. In a small market such as Malta, it is important that medicines are available at the best price. "The con- sumer must not be disadvantaged in either quality or price", said the professor, adding that the minister has obtained the best price, through dialogue. "The patient can rest assured that when the pharmacist offers a ge- neric, it is as good as a brand name medicinal," he said. Serracino Inglott added that the Central Procurement & Supplies Unit of the Ministry for Health has been given the authority to negoti- ate better prices with importers, on behalf of the government. This is a possiblity today as many large drug manufacturers have moved their production lines to India, which has resulted in the ability to lower their prices significantly, he said. The minister also announced the introduction of a doctorate in phar- macy course, which will be held in partnership with the University of Illinois, Chicago – a result of a MOU signed by the universities and the Pharmacy Owners Business Section. The head of the Department of Pharmacy at the University of Malta, Professor Lilian Azzopardi explained that the course "opens door to advanced practice" for its 26-strong student cohort. Visiting professor Alan Lao, from the College of Pharmacy, Univer- sity of Illinois in Chicago described his satisfaction with the course, a result of the two universities work- ing closely together to develop it. It is currently the only one of its kind, that combines the development and application of advanced clini- cal pharmacy skills with contextual research. 24 Doctorate in pharmacy announced on World Pharmacists Day Development House, St. Anne's Street, FRN 9010, Floriana, Malta, Europe | IATA50200883 19-23 ROCS House, Main Street, MLH 2310, Mellieha, Malta, Europe | IATA 50209994 Tel: +356 20 15 15 15 | Fax: +356 2152 3869 | Email: travel@rocsgrp.com www.rocsholidays.com Rates are per person. Prices may vary without notice. For a full list of the ROCS Travel Terms and Conditions please visit www.rocsgrp.com/travel/terms-and-conditions/ E&OE TRAVELLING DATES: PACKAGE PRICES: 8th - 9th Nov 15th - 16th Nov 29th - 30th Nov 13th - 14th Dec 17th - 18th Jan 31st Jan - 1st Feb 14th - 15th Feb 28th Feb - 1st Mar 14th - 15th Mar STARTING FROM ONLY €249 PACKAGE INCLUDES: - Return flights to Heathrow on Airmalta, - 2 days / 1 night accommodation, - Daily breakfast, - All taxes & charges FLIGHT DETAILS: KM100 SATURDAY MLA/LHR 0750 1025 KM103 SUNDAY LHR/MLA 2030 0040 Many more departure dates available* Over 650 hotels in London to choose from* 3 STAR Hotels from only €249 4 STAR Hotels from only €279 5 STAR Hotels from only €339 LONDON WEEKENDS ON SALE Helena Dalli