Prices were reduced for 23 medicines and 5 medical devices, including antibiotics, antidepressants, antihistamines, oral contraceptives, and antifungals.

The price of the penicillin antibiotic co-amoxiclav has been reduced by 25 per cent, meaning patients can save up to €5. Other price reductions include 22 per cent on antidepressants, 18 per cent on oral contraceptive pills, and 5 per cent on antifungals.

The Malta Medicines Authority is also in discussions to regulate medical devices. In fact, for the first-time price reductions on medical devices - namely contact lenses - have been announced.

Simultaneously, 15 generic medicines have been introduced on the local market with a reduction in the price of up to 60 per cent. Patients can save up to €60 per 56 tablets on the generic medicine, pregabalin which is indicated in neuropathic pain when compared to the originator. The same applies to zolmitriptan, a medicine indicated for a migraine where patients can save up to a maximum of 60 per cent. 

Parliamentary Secretary Deo Debattista said on Wednesday that accessibility was also improved by the introduction of 10 new drugs of pharmacotherapeutic importance. Among these is the antibiotic phenoxymethypenicillin that causes less resistance when compared to other antibiotics.

The price reduction was made possible through a synergy between the Medicines Intelligence and Access Unit within the Malta Medicines Authority, the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority, and the local and international pharmaceutical distributors. 

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