Authorities Clarify Quality and Safety of Generic Medicines

The Malta Medicines Authority and the Superintendence of Public Health have issued a statement following references made by Opposition Leader Alex Borg regarding generic medicines.

The authorities reassured the public that generic medicines are manufactured to the same quality, safety, and efficacy standards as all other medicines within the European Union.

Referring to the European Medicines Agency (EMA), they emphasized that generic medicines contain the same active ingredients and therapeutic effects as branded ones, differing only in appearance or name. All manufacturing sites are regularly inspected to ensure Good Manufacturing Practices are followed, and marketing authorisations are granted only after rigorous scientific evaluations.

The statement further clarified that generic medicines made or sold in Malta comply fully with EU regulations, and the World Health Organization (WHO) supports their use as safe, effective, and high-quality alternatives that enhance access to essential treatments.

The public was urged not to be alarmed by misinformation suggesting inferiority in generic medicines, whether distributed through the Pharmacy of Your Choice (POYC) scheme or private pharmacies.