The PN’s proposal regarding a refund for out-of-stock medicines bought privately is the first step in eliminating Malta’s free healthcare system, PL Leader Joseph Muscat claimed this evening.

Speaking at a political activity at Ta’ Farsina, Qormi, Dr Muscat announced: “"The Prime Minister said the PN would refund you the amount the medicines cost them. But the government buys medicines in bulk, at much cheaper prices than you can get in a pharmacy so you will always be spending more than the Government will give you”. The leader went on to ask why the Government would continue to stock medicines, if it can just refund the people.

Dr Muscat emphasised the importance of free healthcare, explaining that it was the PL who first introduced the free system. He reiterated some of the proposals made this morning, regarding enhancing the amount of free medicine available and mentioned the important role Health Clinics will play in the coming years, where the PL will aim to make them the first ‘port of call’ for patients.

In response to PN Deputy Leader Simon Busuttil’s statement earlier today regarding Labours lack of an Electoral Programme, Dr Muscat said that over 100 PL proposals have been revealed to date.