History of Medicine in Malta
Malta claims a long tradition serving Europe’s health and pharmaceutical sectors. The Knights of St. John during their stay in Malta (1530-1798) expanded further the hospitals that were already present on the island. The main hospital in Malta was considered as being the most advanced in Europe at the time. At the vanguard of medicine, the Hospital of Malta boasted Schools of Anatomy, Surgery and Pharmacy.
Nowadays, Malta seeks to keep renewing the strong excelling tradition it has in the medicine arena. The University of Malta each year invests considerably in its medicine related faculties. Over the years, a number of Maltese specialists have managed to make an international name in the health sphere. Some Maltese consultants working in the Maltese medical sphere from time to time also offer their services and expertise in international fora.
The Medicines Authority
Malta has developed a solid regulatory infrastructure that has facilitated the growth of the local pharmaceutical sector. The Medicines Authority (www.medicinesauthority.gov.mt) is autonomous and it enjoys an appropriate level of focus and independence for the industry, boosting its international reputation.
Since its establishment a few years ago, the Medicines Authority has acquired a sound reputation for providing all the services required by the local pharmaceutical manufacturing companies efficiently and cost effectively. These services include the conducting of inspections of manufacturing plants and laboratories, in accordance with the EU principles and guidance of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). GMP certification is granted in a timely fashion to suit the investing company’s start up plans. The Authority has also acquired the ability to allow Malta to act as a Reference Member State. Due to the close relationship that has evolved between Malta Enterprise and the regulators the Authority continues to work closely with the industry to ensure the attainment of each company’s goals. The Authority continues to involve the private sector in various consultation processes on any EU legislation that Malta has to adopt.
The Maltese Pharmaceutical Industry
The Maltese Pharmaceutical sector in Malta was very buoyant over the last years. The exports and employment generated by the Pharmaceutical sector including the medical devices sector in Malta have increased exuberantly since 2005. Full time (FTE) equivalent employment in this sector was circa 74% higher in 2010 than in 2005. Employment in this sector as at September 2011 stood at 1,160 FTE employees. The exports generated by the Pharmaceutical sector in 2010 when compared to 2005 were 278% higher and amounted to €212.1 million.
Pharmaceutical Sector Activities
Throughout the years the Pharmaceutical sector has evolved considerably the operations and activities it is in engaged in. Pharmaceutical activities in Malta are not only related to the Manufacturing of generic drugs and medical devices. The sector is also characterised by companies involved in research and development in this area. Besides, a number of companies are also setting up an activity related to batch testing and releasing.
Malta’s Unique Selling Points
Malta provides high skilled graduates that are one of the main inputs for pharmaceutical companies in developing and producing their products. The fact that Malta provides the adequate labour force for pharmaceutical companies also serves as a motivating factor both for new pharmaceutical companies to open their operations in Malta as well as for the present companies to expand their operations even further. In fact, Malta has managed to attract a number of new pharmaceutical companies. At the same time a number of companies who were operating from Malta expanded their operations even further.
Another advantage lies within the Bolar provision. Although other countries might have a Bolar provision the key advantage that Malta has build lies in its interpretation. The Maltese interpretation of the Bolar provision has contributed to encourage the re-location and the launch of various branches and agencies of large and medium sized pharmaceutical companies. Comparing the Maltese interpretation of the Bolar provision to other European countries’ interpretation and assessing the amount of pharmaceutical companies which re-locate to Malta on an annual basis, it is clear that the Maltese interpretation of the Bolar provision has, and remains to be, a positive move within the sphere of Maltese patents law.
Investors attracted to the Maltese Pharmaceutical sector have their mind at rest that Malta will seek to provide an ideal business climate for this activity. The Government has identified this sector as being one of the pillars on which the Maltese economy will rely to ensure growth.
Malta Enterprise also provides a number of incentives that can be tapped by companies operating in the pharmaceutical sector. These incentives include; fiscal incentives, provision of industrial premises at competitive rates, preferential loan financing and loan guarantees. The Employment and Training Corporation (ETC) also offers various schemes related to the training of employees.
Source: Country Profiler - Business & Investment malta 2011
Updated: November 2011
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