Medical Cannabis Legislation
03/01/2018
In view of the ongoing debate in parliament (please see links below) re the prescribing of medical cannabis by general practitioners, the Malta Chamber of Pharmacists will be organising a seminar so as to bring forward the most up to date information to local community pharmacists so that they are better informed regarding the legal aspects as well as the different formulations and strengths available on the local market.
Although a definite date has not been set we believe the seminar will need to be held in the first quarter of the year. In the meantime, here under are some useful links to help you stay informed:
Newspapers
Medical Cannabis to be Prescribed by GPs – TOM, 20/11/17
Parliament
Bill as presented in Parliament
1st Reading in Parliament – 27/11/2017
Further Reading
World Medical Association Statement on Medical Cannabis – October 2017
We kindly invite any companies willing to sponsor the event to get in touch with us as soon as possible.
Emergency Contraception: Scientific Facts, Ethical & Legal Issues
15/12/2016
The above seminar was held on Tuesday 29th November at the South Auditorium, Mater Dei Hospital at 7.30pm. A truly successful event which was very well attended.
The individual presentations may be downloaded by clicking on the title hyperlinks below:
8.00Welcome and introduction by the Chair – Ms. Mary Ann Sant Fournier, Chamber President
8.10 Medical Aspects of EC – Professor Charles Savona Ventura
M.D.(Melit.),D.Sc.Med.(Warsaw),Accr.C.O.G.(Leuven),F.R.C.O.G.,F.R.C.P.I.; Head of Department, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine & Surgery, University of Malta. Biography: https://www.um.edu.mt/profile/charlessavonaventura
8.30 ‘Regulatory aspects regarding Levonelle 1500microgram tablet and ellaOne 30mg tablet.’ – Ms. Helen Vella, Licensing Director, Medicines Authority. CV – EuroPass: http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/contacts/hvella_CV.pdf
8.50 Ethical issues – Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Agius M.A. (Louv.), S.Th.D (Louv.); Dean of the Faculty of Theology, University of Malta. Biography: http://www.um.edu.mt/theology/moral/staff/eagius
9.10 Dispensing of EC– Ms. Mary Anne Ciappara (Chamber Exec Council Member, Pharmacy Council Member, Regional Commonwealth Pharmacists Association (CPA) Representative)
9.45 Q&A – discussion
10:00 Close
Annual General Meeting Outcome
The Annual General Meeting of the Kamra tal-Ispizjara ta’ Malta (Malta Chamber of Pharmacists) was held yesterday, Thursday 5th May 2016 and elections for a new Executive Council were held.
President Mary Ann Sant Fournier was re-elected and the following are the elected Members of the incoming 2016-2019 Executive Council:
President – Mary Ann Sant Fournier
Max Borg Millo
Claire Calleja
Maryanne Ciappara
Duncan Decelis
Jojo Grima
Margaret Parascandalo
Claire Shoemake
John Vella
The Council would like to thank all those colleagues, including previous Council Members, members of subcommittees and all members for their ongoing support and commits to further it’s thrusts in the best interest of the Pharmacy Profession, Patients and Society.
To view the administrative report click here and to view the financial report click here.
Presidential address – AGM 2015
Breast Cancer Diagnosis Research
On Wednesday the 11th of May at 1.00 pm, the Electromagnetics Research Group is organizing a talk on Breast cancer diagnosis at the University of Malta, Maths and Physics Building, Room 401.
This talk will focus on the description of typical microwave imaging radar systems, and will include some examples of research on the applications of this imaging technique. The focus of these techniques include detection and diagnosis of breast cancer and classification of breast tumors as benign or malignant.
Dr Raquel Conceição will be delivering the talk. She is an award winning post-doctoral researcher with a significant record of peer-reviewed publications and funded grants, and currently an Invited Assistant Professor at the University of Lisbon, Portugal. Dr. Conceição holds a Ph.D. in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (2011), and an Integrated Masters in Biomedical Engineering (2007), from the National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG) and Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, FCT-UNL (Faculty of Science and Technology, New University of Lisbon), respectively
This event is organised by the Department of Physics of the Faculty of Science.
https://us3.admin.mailchimp.com/campaigns/show?id=1286201
EGM re POYC – Service Level Agreement (SLA) and Domiciliary Delivery (DD) 20th July 2015 – PHARMACISTS
An EGM re the above-mentioned subject in caption was held for Managing and Locum Pharmacists managing the POYC scheme at the Federation of Professional Associations in Sliema Road on Monday 20th July.
Chamber President Ms. M. A. Sant Fournier chaired the meeting. Mr. Mike Farrugia, Government Consultant was in attendance. Following the presentation the floor was opened for discussion. The meeting was very well attended and Chamber Executive has taken note of several points made by the members.
The President and Executive Council of the Chamber invite all members to write in with further comments and feedback should they wish to do so. These may be sent to president@spizjara.org.
Meanwhile the meeting presentation may be downloaded by clicking here.
Joint Kamra-GRTU EGM re POYC – Service Level Agreement (SLA) and Domiciliary Delivery (DD) 14th July 2015 – PHARMACY OWNERS
An EGM re the above-mentioned subject in caption was held for Pharmacy Owners participating in the POYC scheme at the Federation of Professional Associations in Sliema Road on Tuesday 14th July 2015.
Chamber President Ms. M. A. Sant Fournier and GRTU President Mr. M. Debono chaired the meeting. Mr. Mike Farrugia, Government Consultant was in attendance. Following the presentation the floor was opened for discussion. The meeting was very well attended and the Joint Committee has taken note of several points made by the members.
The Joint Committee invites all members to write in with further comments and feedback should they wish to do so.
Meanwhile the meeting presentation may be downloaded by clicking here.
The Department of Counselling in collaboration with The Malta Association for the Counselling Profession would like to announce its Second Annual Research Conference.
The conference will held on Friday 8th & Saturday 9th May 2015 at the Dolmen Resort Hotel Qawra, Malta.
The Department of Counselling Annual Research Conference will feature presentations and discussions about the Act regulating the Counselling Profession in Malta (Act V, 2015). There will also be presentations and workshops about by academics, researchers, graduates, practitioners and other local and international guest speakers. The theme for this year’s Research Conference is ‘Promoting Social Wellbeing in the Local and Global Community’. For a draft copy of the programme click here.
Those interested to attend are kindly advised to fill in the attached registration form. For more information about this event, kindly contact Ms Simone Ellul onsimone.ellul@um.edu.mt or (+356) 23403518 or Ms Anabel Mifsud onanabel.mifsud@um.edu.mt or (+356) 23403515.
MALTESE COMMONWEALTH ALUMNI
Published 4th May 2015
The Ministry for Education and Employment is currently assisting the Malta High Commission in London to compile a data base of Maltese Commonwealth alumni. Kindly click here for more info. The closing date is Friday 8th May 2015.
Re. Pharmacy Opening Hours (Amendment) Rules 2015 – Request to meet Medicines Authority
Published 13th March, 2015
Dear Member,
The Kamra held its meeting for it’s members yesterday, 12th March at the Federation of Professional Associations. Members have approved the proposal as had been confirmed by the prior 2 joint meetings except that Council was directed that we do not stipulate the number of districts in the proposed new roster but negotiate with the Medicines Authority. To this effect, an urgent meeting has been sought in our submission document which may be viewed by clicking here.
With Kind Regards,
Executive Council – Malta Chamber of Pharmacists.
Urgent Consultative Meeting – Thursday 12th MARCH 2015, 7.30 for 8.00pm
Published 10th March 2015
Re. Pharmacy Opening Hours (Amendment) Rules 2015
Following a consultation document Issued by the Medicines Authority re. changes to the LN governing pharmacy opening hours on Sundays and Public Holidays, the feedback received from our members and a Joint Extraordinary Kamra/GRTU Meeting on Tuesday 3rd March, the Executive Council would like to invite you to an Urgent Consultative Meeting at the Federation of Professional Associations, Sliema Road Gzira, on Thursday 12th March at 7.30pm to brief you on ongoing developments and the Council’s views to the proposed changes.
M.A. Sant Fournier. M.Borg Millo
President. Secretary
Executive Council – Malta Chamber of Pharmacists.
-END-
Bioethics Research Programme Lecture – 4th March 2015
Published 25th February 2015
Kindly find attached an invitation to attend a lecture re the above subject matter. Please note that you are receiving this invitation as you are a duly paid up member.
Members who have paid in 2014 and have not renewed their 2015 membership yet will be deemed to be in default and thus shall cease to receive such invitations and information as of the beginning of Quarter 2. Instructions on how to affect membership may be found below.
Bioethics Research Programme Poster_visual (10)
Thinking of Your Future – Survey 2015
Published 21st February 2015
The Malta Chamber of Pharmacists is affiliated to the Malta Federation of Professional Associations (MFPA)
The MFPA is conducting a second survey ‘Thinking of your Future’. Analyzed result of this survey will be made public during a seminar which will be organized by the Federation for this purpose. To complete and submit the survey kindly click here.
The survey must be completed and submitted by not later than Wednesday 25th February 2015.
Community Pharmacy Opening Hours – Medicines Authority issues Consultation Document
Published 20th February 2015
We would like to call for your attention with regards to the fact that the Medicines Authority has issued a Consultation Document re Opening Hours for Community Pharmacies. You are invited to submit your comments to the Malta Chamber of Pharmacists by not later than Monday 2nd March 12 noon. The Consultation Document is available for downloading from below link:
Consultation document Pharmacy opening hours
Kamra asks for Meeting with PS Health regarding recent amendments to Prescribing & Dispensing Rules
Published 14th January 2015
The Kamra T al-Ispizjara Ta ‘Malta is concerned at the wording and implications thereof of LN 401 of 2014 amending SL 458.49 Prescribing and Dispensing Rules (Medicines Act CAP 458) which, in the Kamra’s opinion jeopardises Pharmacists’ jobs , particularly but not limited to, the area of practice of
pharmaceutical marketing; and limits patients’ right to freedom of choice of treatment.
Full letter may be seen by clicking link below.
letter to PS Health Mr. Fearne re LN generics 13-1-2015
Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2014
Published 11th January 2015
The Annual General Meeting of the Kamra ta’ l-Ispizjara ta’ Malta (Malta Chamber of Pharmacists) was held recently on Friday 19th December 2014 and elections for a new Executive Council were held.
President Mary Ann Sant Fournier was re-elected and the following are the Officials and Members of the incoming Council:
President – Mary Ann Sant Fournier
Vice-President – Margaret Parascandalo
Secretary – Max Borg Millo
Treasurer – Claire Calleja
Members – Marisabelle Bonnici, Maryanne Ciappara, Jojo Grima, Claire Shoemake, John Vella
The Council would like to thank all those colleagues, including previous Council Members, members of subcommittees and all members for their ongoing support and commits to further it’s thrusts in the best interest of the Pharmacy Profession, Patients and Society.
Below are the key presentations for your perusal:
MCoP Annual Administrative Report 2014
The Kamra may be contacted on kamraspizjara@gmail.com
Launch of the Patient Experts Training programme provided by European Patients’ Academy on Therapeutic Innovation (EUPATI).
Published 1st April 2014
Through the Chamber’s affiliation to the Malta Health Network we would like to share with you an interesting opportunity being given through the EUPATI project.
The “European Patients’ Academy on Therapeutic Innovation ” (EUPATI) is funded through the financial contribution from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) and EFPIA companies. The project aims to provide scientifically reliable, objective, comprehensive information to patients on the research and development process of medicines. It will increase the capacity of patients and the lay public to be effective advocates and advisors, eg, in clinical trials, with regulatory authorities and in ethics committees. A consortium of 30 organisations, led by the European Patients’ Forum, comprises a unique combination of pan-European patient organisations, academic and not-for profit organisations expert in patient and public engagement and EFPIA member companies. It will feature excellent state-of-the-art, high quality, objective education to patients and/or their relatives , facilitating engagement and involvement.
For further information please click here.
FOR THE ATTENTION OF ALL PHARMACISTS – IMPORTANT POYC DIRECTIVE
Sent by email to ALL PHARMACISTS 17th March 2014
The Chamber refers to the instances reported by members of instructions from the POYC Department or other Government sources or patients themselves to Pharmacists delivering a POYC service with preferential supply of medicines to named patients. The Chamber has informed you as a member that at the POYC SAC meeting held last Friday 14th March, this matter was raised by your representatives and that the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, has given the commitment to put a stop to this forthwith.Meanwhile the Chamber directs all pharmacists to report ANY instance of such instructions of preferential supply of medicines to named patients and to continue in their practice of adhering to their discretionary, first-come-first-served and/or shared equally dispensing procedure according to best practice.Executive Council
Malta Chamber of Pharmacists 17.03.14cc. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health
Joint Committee, Chamber/GRTU
POYC Standing Action Committee Meeting Outcome – 14th March 2014
Sent via email to MEMBERS ONLY 14th March 2014
A delegation of the The Kamra tal – Ispizjara ta’ Malta and the /GRTU Pharmacy Section Joint Committee (JC) has participated in a meeting of the POYC Standing Advisory Committee (SAC) that was convened yesterday, Friday, 14 March 2014 under the Chairmanship of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Mr. J. Rapa. As the SAC has not been convened since the, resignation of the then Chair, the JC has lamented the fact that this fell short of respect of the partners in the POYC and good governance. The Perm Sec has informed the JC about the nomination of a new Chair and that the SAC shall be meeting on a regular basis whilst the new incumbent shall be instructed to enable better collaboration between all the POYC partners.
The JC has regrettably noted that the POYC Unit Administration has continued to operate with a fait accompli operation in policy decisions and actuation, affecting the practice of Pharmacists delivering a POYC service, which results in SAC meetings becoming solely an ‘information meeting’. This is unacceptable and has to change. The Perm Sec has also taken note of this.
The Kamra and GRTU Pharmacy Section representatives raised the fact that the POYC Unit has started to override pharmacies and pharmacists in patient registration procedures. This new ‘fast-track’ method of registering new patients with the pharmacist/pharmacy of their choice was explained by the POYC CEO as being done to reduce bureaucracy and expedite the registration process once the POYC Unit has recently taken over the Medicines Entitlement Unit (MEU) role and administration. But this new procedure was not previously discussed and agreed upon within the SAC with action taken unilaterally by POYC Unit defeating the initial setting up of a rapport between patient and pharmacist/pharmacy of choice and presents another fait accompli. It was agreed that the POYC CEO , Kamra and GRTU Pharmacy Section collaborate in setting up a working group to ensure that the Patients’ entry point into the POYC scheme remains the pharmacists’ prerogative. Any innovations in reducing bureaucracy must not impinge on the professional role and discretion of the pharmacist delivering the service.
The Kamra and GRTU strongly insisted that the POYC Unit should not continue in insisting on cases of preferential supply to named patients. Patients are calling with prior knowledge on stock availability or delivery and insisting with pharmacists, sometimes bordering on harassing behaviour, in that they are to be preferred in receiving certain medicines over other patients.
In a situation where the out of stock situation is still the most serious issue that undermines the smooth running of the POYC service, the attempt and pressures of preferential treatment of certain patients does nothing but exacerbate the frustration of both patients and pharmacists in dealing with the situation, and will not contribute to resolving the issue of having the right amount of medicine stock at the right time for our patients.
The permanent secretary assured the partners that he will strive to ensure that this practice is stopped forthwith.
The partners raised the matter of the unacceptable manner by which the POYC Unit has continued in carrying out what are tantamount to, inspections which should be the remit of the Medicines Authority Inspectorate. It was agreed that there shall be a clear delineation between the audit remit of the POYC Unit and the regulatory remit of the Medicines Authority..
The partners rasied the matter that pharmacies are not being replenished with quantities dispensed, leading to doubts on whether stock positions are factual. Whilst rebutting the claim by the POYC CEO that this is happening because some pharmacies do not post their dispensed medicines in order to receive replenishment just-in-time, the partners stated that policies and procedures should be clear, for example what is the procedure to order, automatic replenishment of OOS items or an email order each time? These should be clear and unequivocal to pharmacists.
The issue of POYC’s I.T. support being outsourced by Government ‘s MITA to a private company (PTL), without the SAC’s prior knowledge or approval, was raised again. This has resulted in I.T. operational costs being borne by pharmacies. This issue is still pending and will be discussed at a later SAC meeting. Any bill raised by PTL intervention to assist POYC WPDS maintenance will be retained by POYC Finance as is currently being done.
The Kamra and GRTU representatives and the POYC CEO have agreed to the Permanent Secretary’s wish to strengthen the ‘’balancing act” as a progressive way forward in collaboration.
Kamra takes stand against POYC Department on ‘new procedure’ for POYC Patient Registration.
Published 17th February 2014
Below is an email sent today by the Malta Chamber of Pharmacists to the CEO, POYC Department, in response to two separate reports received last Friday 15th February 2014 by two (2) different pharmacists. Hereunder is the Chamber’s stand with regards to the latest change in practice taken on by the POYC Department with regards to registration of new patients. The email is self-explanatory. Pharmacists are encouraged to send an email to POYC Department keeping the Chamber in copy (cc) if they receive anymore of these requests.
“Dear Roseanne,
The email below is self explanatory, written by a true professional.
The Chamber fully endorses this email which reflects the concern of several other pharmacists. .
We underscore the fact that nowhere and never were we consulted on this unacceptable change of practice in registration of patients with POYC’s.
The POYC Department does not have the remit of registering patients with private Pharmacies/Pharmacists. Accepting the patient is the prerogative of the Pharmacist and is a private and personal transaction undertaken by the patient and the Pharmacist.
The domains in the registration form were carefully designed and agreed to by the partners, and correctly filling them is the remit of the patient,Pharmacist and Doctor.
It is a moot point that the focus of the POYC scheme is the patient and the community pharmacy/pharmacist .
The Chamber insists that this practice by the POYC unit must stop immediately in the best interest of the prospective registered POYC patients and the Pharmacy/
Pharmacist of their choice who serve them.
The Chamber is taking a serious view of this negative development and reserves the right to declare a dispute on this matter if this practice is not stopped forthwith.”
Yours sincerely,
Mary Ann Sant Fournier
President
Kamra Tal-Ispizjara Ta’ Malta
Professional Centre
127 Sliema Road,
Gzira GZR 1633
email:president@spizjara.org; kamraspizjara@gmail.com
fb:Kamra Tal-Ispizjara Ta’Malta
The Indemnity Insurance Meeting by MOH 7th February 2014
Published 12th February 2014
Members of the executive council attended, on your behalf, the Ministry of Health’s information meeting for all healthcare professionals held at Mater Dei Hospital on the 7th February 2014 at 7.30pm.
After going through the timeline of events since the introduction of obligatory Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) on the 25th October 2013 by LN388/2013, the various speakers, who included the Hon. Minister of Health Dr Godfrey Farrugia, legal and insurance expert Dr Paul Cachia LLD, Health Department legal advisor Dr Brigitte Gafa LLD, and a PII Lloyds UK practitioner Mr Julian Mamo, all gave a detailed overview of where Maltese healthcare professionals should stand with PII.
The presentations overviewed key topics such as the revised version LN with directive definitions transposition, civil liabilities, damages & court awards, foreign proceedings, risk assessments, cover limits, Malta’s public-private healthcare system mix and differentiated indemnity cover, enforcement and good practice, proper record keeping, previous court rulings and damages calculations, civil and moral damages differences, cross border claims, and jurisdiction territory, retroactive and run-off cover, and the financial and reputation standing of the choice of PII insurance companies.
We are extremely pleased to note that all the above important points were included in the numerous meetings that your Chamber has held over the past months with all parties concerned and that our tailor-made PII scheme choice has addressed all these concerns to offer you, our members, a solid, credible, and personalised Professional Indemnity Insurance.
Now is the time to walk the talk. Your Council has worked incessantly, leaving no stone unturned to offer you the best possible scheme with diligently conducted scrutiny of all the small-print with legal and independent insurer advice. We are confident that our professional esprit de corps will galvanise your final decision of choice. We have not looked at run-of-the-mill house, car, boat, pet, or personal belongings type of cover here – it’s your professional status and reputation that has always been our sole goal. And that is how it will always remain, provided you make the right choice of insurance, your Kamra’s choice!
The Right Medicine at the Right Time, at an Affordable Price
Published 18th January 2014
MCoP_GRTU_Submission to White Paper POYC
In the light that yesterday Friday January 17th 2014, was the closing date for public consultation and with stakeholders on the White Paper – Ministry For Health, 4 November 2013: Ensuring Your Right to Entitlement Medicines at the Time You Require Them, we are pleased to inform you that the Joint Committee of the Malta Chamber of Pharmacists and the GRTU – Pharmacy Section has submitted it’s position to the Hon Minister of Health, Dr Godfrey Farrugia on the 27th of December 2013, entitled: The Right Medicine At The Right Time, At An Affordable Price, By The Pharmacist Of The Patient’s Choice.
This submission focused on Option 04 – Local Suppliers of Medicine Distributing POYC Medicines to Community Pharmacies as ‘A just and effective reimbursement model for the continued supply and ease of access to essential medicines, innovative medicines and the ancillary professional services of community pharmacists to patients in Malta’
The basis of this discussion paper presupposes that all discussions would emanate from the Tripartite MOU signed on 27 July 2007 and enhanced by the Addendum, signed on 4 January 2013 by Government, The Malta Chamber of Pharmacists (MCOP) and the GRTU-Pharmacy Section; and the basic tenets of which are not disputable and are considered immutable.
The choice of Option 04 is consequently viewed as a natural extension of the accepted MOU and this operational and distributional option does not in any way impinge on the existing MOU.
This discussion thus reflects a commitment by all stakeholders with Government on areimbursement model, as entrenched in the MOU on the POYC (July 2007 and January 2013), as well as the White Paper entitled: Ensuring Your Right to Entitlement Medicines at the Time You Require Them issued by the Ministry for Health on 4 November 2013 and discussed with the Hon. Minister Dr. Godfrey Farrugia and Mr. David Spiteri Gingell, Consultant, on the 25 November, 4 and 20 December 2013.
In these meetings, both GRTU and Malta Chamber of Pharmacists (MCOP) agreed that Option 04 taken from the White Paper, would be broadly favoured, with improvements and amendments, to both organisations, in the best interests of patient-pharmacist relationship, pharmacies hosting the service and the National Health System.
The Joint Committee has made it amply clear that the POYC fee for service is retained. The Joint Committee will advise on a meeting for members to be called in the near future.
With Kind Regards,
Kamra ta’ l-Ispizjara ta’ Malta
Submission of Report on the Prpoposal for a Regulation on Medical Devices and in vitro Medical Devices to MEPs in view of vote in European Parliament on 22nd October 2013
(POSTED 24.10.2013)
Attached is the report re the above-mentioned subject in caption the Malta Chamber of Pharmacists submitted following guidance from PGEU. This was sent to all Maltese MEPs.
In an email dates 23rd October 2013 by Valentina Forte, Parliamentary Assistant to Mr. Joseph Cuschieri we have been told that Mr. Cuschieri supported during the plenary vote the report on “Proposal for a Regulation on Medical Devices and on in vitro Medical Devices” and in quality of Head of S&D Maltese Delegation gave the same indication to the other MEPs.
Medical Devices MEP vote 221013
National Health Research Strategy Launched
Malta Council for Science and Technology notifies that the National Health Research Strategy has been launched and may be found attached or on the following link: http://www.mcst.gov.mt/policy-strategy/projects-and-studies/policy-projects-and-studies/national-strategy-health-research
Kamra meets Director, Pharmaceutical Affairs, MHEC, re Government Formulary List on Wednesday 9th January 2013.
(POSTED 01.02.2013)
The Malta Chamber of Pharmacists welcomed the opportunity to make its submission on the Government Formulary List (March 2012) for discussion at a meeting with Ms. I. Zahra Pulis, Director, Pharmaceutical Affairs, MHEC, on Wednesday 9th January 2013.
The Chamber notes that as stated by the DPA:
The Directorate for Pharmaceutical Affairs (DPA) has the mission of developing and implementing equitable and sustainable Government pharmaceutical policies. It promotes excellence in patient care through assuring safe, rational and cost-effective use of medicines through the ongoing management of the Government Formulary List.
The Government Formulary List is reviewed and updated periodically through removal and addition of medicines, removal/changes in medicines protocols and amendments in entitlement and prescriber criteria by implementing both EU and national legislation in the field of formulary management.
The Chamber’s submissions address two levels – 1. The general policy level as it impacts on healthcare, in particular equity of access to medicines. 2. Impact on the delivery of pharmaceutical care services to entitled patients by private community pharmacists within the ambit of the Pharmacy of Your Choice scheme.
Download full submission document
Kamra Meets the Prime Minister and Dr. Simon Busuttil on the Future of Pharmacy in Malta – Saturday, 16th June 2012
The Kamra ta’ l-Ispizjara ta’ Malta hosted the Prime Minister , Hon. Dr. Lawrence Gonzi and Dr. Simon Busuttil at the Professional Centre, to a cordial meeting to discuss on the above mentioned subject in caption The matters for discussion on the agenda were as follows:
- Pharmacy legislation and regulations – resolution of pending issues.
- Consolidation of POYC, possibly the first model of a private public partnership with independent health care professionals – the way forward.
- The community pharmacist at the heart of primary health care – recognition, empowerment and support of the role played in the best interest of patients.
- Increased penetration of innovative medicines to Maltese patients – true equity in Malta’s health care in the European scenario.
- Ongoing, sustained and effective consultation and dialogue to attain concertation on all matters concerning pharmacy, pharmacists and medicines.
The media was in attendance for the first part of the meeting. The Kamra delegation was led by Kamra President Ms. Mary Ann Sant Fournier and included Mr. Max Borg Millo, Hon. Secretary and Mr. JoJo Grima, Council member.
The Science of Beer on Sunday 29th July at University of Malta—*Special Event*
Dear Cafe Sci Members,
We’ve got something special in store. Thanks to sponsorship by the Farsons Foundation, we’re running ‘The Science of Beer’ (FB: ), an event next Sunday 29th July on Evening on Campus.
Martin Polidano (Brewer & Process Block Manager, Farsons) will talk about the science behind beer making. How do malt, water, hops and yeast make beer? How does this handful of ingredients result in over 1,000 beer varieties that all taste different?
Martin will weave historical fact into his talk, revealing who invented brewing, and who can lay claim to pouring the first pint. Beer was one of the first uncontrolled experiments, with chance, the Bronze Age, and seasons all shaping today’s brews.
Modern brewing leaves very little to chance. Martin will be giving a personal insight into the whole process: from the carefully controlled compounds brewers measure to satisfy peoples taste for a perfect pint, to the huge breweries that quench one’s thirst in summer.
The event will be ticketed and all proceeds donated to the RIDT, the new Research, Innovation and Development Trust (RIDT) of the University of Malta. We’re giving this donation because Malta Café Scientifique believes in research and its benefit to our health, economy, and feeding the curiosity which makes us human. For more information about RIDT please visit: www.ridt.org.mt
Tickets are available at €5 at the door, or from Room 133, Communications and Alumni Relations Office on campus, Room 133, Administration Building, Msida Campus at the University of Malta. Bookings can be made via email: eveningsoncampus@um.edu.mt
tel: 2340 2043/2340 2142 or via sms on 79843480.
See you at the talk,
Edward Duca.
Webinar on Funding Opportunities for Health Europeans Researchers in Canadian Research and Research Training Programs May 30th, 2012
Dear Colleagues,
Can I kindly ask you to promote and disseminate through your networks a Web Seminar on Funding Opportunities for Health Europeans Researchers in Canadian Research and Research Training Programs as per below.
Webinar on Funding Opportunities for Health EU Researchers
The event will happen on Wednesday, May 30, 2012 – 3:00 – 4:30pm CEST (Please check for the time in your area). The Seminar is organized by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the FP7 project Access2Canada. The attached file contains all the information and the link to the conference tool. If there are any questions, please don’t hesitate contacting me.
Thank you very much for support,
Nadia Khelef, PhD
Chargée de Mission Europe Direction Scientifique Institut Pasteur 25-28 rue du Docteur ROUX 75724, Paris Cedex 15, France Tel : +33 (0)1 40 61 33 78 http://www.pasteur.fr
International Museum Day 2012
ICOM Malta invites the general public, to participate in the International Museum Day events which will officially be held around the 18th May 2012. This is an annual international event, during which thousands of museums celebrate and raise awareness regarding a particular theme, this year entitled, “Museums in a Changing World: New Challenges, New Inspirations”.
International Museum Day was created by ICOM in 1977, to highlight the role of museums in the development of society, and its momentum has been rising unabated ever since. More than 20,000 museums in 90 countries from Australia to Zimbabwe participate every year. Although locally, this event is still at its infancy, the ICOM-Malta team is working hard to involve as many private, state and church-run museums as possible.
This year’s theme invites museums and their visitors to wonder about the role of museums in our society, in an era facing numerous changes. International Museum Day 2012 is as much about museums growing and shaping their future, as it is about displaying and interpreting new issues like climate change, new media or social responsibility.
This May, museums internationally will host contests, workshops, conferences and performances. Some will remain open late, and devise new virtual or real tours where itineraries lead to and from museums and local sights. As opposed to the standard tour, museum itineraries today, are embracing awareness-raising, educational, thematic, historical or chronological tours, adding a certain spice and passion to their collections and expertise. Inspired by World Heritage tours and high-end museum travel, the aim is to create a deeper mutual understanding of history, through heritage experienced together.
ICOM-Malta is organizing various events which will be held through the month of May, in various different locations. The programme of events includes the following: On Friday 18th May, Admission to the Pomskizillious Museum of Toys in Xaghra Gozo will be reduced to half price. Admission to St Agatha’s complex in Rabat is being reduced to 3euro from Friday to Sunday. St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta will be open free of charge on Saturday 19th between 13.00 and 16.00. A tour of Fort St Angelo is being organized by Heritage Malta on Sunday 20th. On Sunday 27th admission to the Limstone Heritage will be free of charge, to celebrate their tenth anniversary. On Friday 1st June, Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum in Mdina is organizing a free event including a talk by artist Vince Briffa and jazz by CUSP.
The first event on the occasion of IMD, was organized on Wednesday 16th May, by ICOM-Malta in collaboration with Heritage Malta and the Section of Y.O.U.R.S. Young inmates from the Correctional Facility of Kordin visited the Conservation-Restoration Centre at Heritage Malta in Bighi, as well as the Malta Maritime Museum in Birgu. This event was set up to provide these inmates with a cultural experience which would inspire their artistic and academic talents, through on-site visits. in keeping with this year’s theme, ICOM-Malta believes that this challenge will help inspire this group of young people, that our cultural heritage is available for everyone to enjoy and draw inspiration from. This event was supported by the Minister for Tourism, Culture and the Environment, Hon.Dr Mario DeMarco and Minister for Home Affairs and Local Government Hon. Carmel Mifsud Bonnici.
ICOM is the International Council of Museums and museum professionals which are committed to the conservation, continuation and communication to society, of the world’s natural and cultural heritage; present and future, tangible and intangible. Created in 1946, ICOM is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) maintaining formal relations with UNESCO and having a consultative status with the United Nations’ Economic and Social Council.
James Licari B. Cons (Hons)
Mobile: (+356 9944 2508)
President of The Malta Association of Professional Conservator-Restorers [MAPCo-Re]; Vice-President of The International Council of Museums [ICOM-Malta]; Honourary Secretary of The International Council of Monument and Sites [ICOMOS-Malta]; Conservator-restorer within the Conservation Division at Heritage Malta, Bighi
Member of: Din L-Art Helwa, Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna, Wirt Ghawdex, Malta Historical Society, Valletta Alive Foundation
MIM FORUM – MOTHERS IN MANAGEMENT 10TH MAY
It’s Mothers’ Day! Indeed 76% of European women of 18 years or older are mothers. Yet do we really know the real meaning of this day?
Traditionally, mothers have been associated with that comforting stable figure at the heart of the Mediterranean family; the person at home, providing for her children and husband. Yet the various developments that have taken place over the past decades, urge a rethink of our definition of mother particularly with the constant increase of single mothers, fostering and adoption and mothers’ in management.
Mothers who juggle career and family duties are faced with special challenges and concerns. Current conditions make it difficult to raise children while full-time employed. Thus, working women need to come up with a strategy that involves serious personal choices and sacrifices.
In this light, the Malta Institute of Management, as part of its 2012 conferences and events programme will organise on the 10th May the MIM National Congress for Mothers in Management where leading female entrepreneurs, managers and leaders will come together to discuss their personal experience in juggling work and family, discuss the current legislative framework, and outline proposals to help mothers in management
The half day conference will be held at the Westin Dragonara Resort, St Julians.
A NANNY SERVICE WILL BE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST
EARLY BIRD OFFER TILL 30TH APRIL 2012 – €75
For further information kindly visit website: www.maltamanagement.com (News and Events) or contact Ms Rita Micallef on rmicallef@maltamanagement.com or tel: 21453097
EDQM TRAINING COURSE
THE EUROPEAN PHARMACOPOEIA 7th EDITION (BIOLOGICALS) 9-10 May 2012 EDQM Premises, Strasbourg, France
The training session has been designed to enable delegates to expand their knowledge and familiarise themselves with the work and procedures of the European Pharmacopoeia. It will allow participants an opportunity to meet each other, exchange ideas and share information. Course content: – An overview of the European regulatory system and the organisation of the EDQM. – Practical advice on using and interpreting the European Pharmacopoeia General Chapters and Monographs in relevance to Biological Substances. – An outline of how monographs are elaborated and revised, and how to participate in the process. – An overview of role and the proper use of European Pharmacopoeia Reference Standards and an outline of the process used to establish them ; and – An update on the Biological Standardisation Programme (BSP). Who should attend? This training course is of interest to staff members of national regulatory bodies and scientists involved in development, manufacturing, quality control, quality assurance and registration of medicinal products. It is ideal for new and junior staff members. forwad to members please visit: http://www.edqm.eu/en/Eur-Ph-Training-Session-Biologicals-May2012-1462.html Email Alert Service Sign up to receive our monthly alerts and updates: http://www.edqm.eu/en/Email-alert-522.html