Cheaper meds expected after European Parliament approves new procurement rules

The European Parliament on Tuesday approved a regulation allowing EU member states to make joint procurement for medicines, a move that is expected to mean more affordable medicines in Malta to treat conditions including cancer and cardiac disease.

The European Parliament's Committee on Public Health approved the European Critical Medicines Act, including amendments tabled by MEP Peter Agius, aimed at improving the availability and affordability of medicines.

Among the provisions secured by Agius is a new mechanism that will enable Malta to join forces with at least four other Member States to procure medicines jointly, increasing purchasing power and securing better prices.

The legislation seeks to reduce inequalities in access to medicines by supporting a list of critical medicines of common European interest, particularly where limited market size affects their availability.

"Maltese consumers face some of the highest medicine prices in Europe, largely because of our small market. Buying medicines for half a million people is very different from buying for hundreds of millions," said Agius.

"By purchasing together, we can not only secure lower prices for Maltese patients but also improve access to innovative medicines. I am pleased that our concerns are reflected in the text adopted today."

The regulation also introduces collaborative joint procurement, enabling smaller Member States to aggregate demand, making Malta a more attractive market for pharmaceutical suppliers.

In addition, pharmaceutical companies receiving EU or national funding will be required to prioritise the supply of medicines to the European market, a measure expected to improve access to innovative medicines in Malta.

The Malta Health Network welcomed the committee's vote, saying the new rules should improve Maltese patients' access to critical and innovative medicines on a more equitable basis.

The organisation said the proposed mechanisms would also promote greater transparency in the use of public funds and support the more efficient use of resources, helping to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Malta's healthcare system.

The Critical Medicines Act establishes a list of critical medicines, which currently contains around 270 active substances or combinations, covering approximately 75% of all authorised medicinal products. The medicines covered include many that are essential for daily healthcare, including: antibiotics (such as amoxicillin, penicillin, ceftriaxone and meropenem); insulin and other diabetes medicines; vaccines, cancer medicines including chemotherapy and targeted therapies.

Anaesthetics used during surgery are also included as well as intensive care medicines including sedatives and emergency drugs; cardiovascular medicines for conditions such as heart attacks and severe hypertension; asthma and respiratory medicines; medicines for rare diseases, and certain psychiatric and neurological medicines where there are few alternatives.