Malta to hold conference on rare diseases next March, as part of the EU Presidency 2017

01.12.2016

Malta to hold conference on rare diseases next March, as part of the EU Presidency 2017

Malta will be hosting a

conference on rare

diseases by EURORDIS

which is the European

Organisation for Rare

Diseases

Speaking during a seminar on innovative medicines and patient involvement organised by the Bioethics Research Programme in collaboration with the Malta Health Network and the European patients’ Academy (EUPATI), Minister for Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs and Civil Liberties Helena Dalli spoke of the difficulties that small countries encounter when it comes to prompt access to innovative medicines. In particular, this is due to their small unattractive markets.

Minister Dalli remarked that this concern is being discussed throughout Europe as a major issue that impacts on the public health of patients and warrants immediate action. She stressed the importance of accessibility to medicines and noted that patients should be treated equally beyond the realm of sex, race, orientation and beliefs.

Minister Dalli announced that during the EU Presidency 2017 next March, Malta will be hosting a conference on rare diseases by EURORDIS which is the European Organisation for Rare Diseases. This has been possible thanks to an initiative taken by the spouse of the Prime Minister, Mrs Michelle Muscat, the patron of EURORDIS.

Dr Dalli explained that through assistance of the Malta Medicines Authority, this conference brings together important entities such as the Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) and the Committee for Orphan Medicinal Products (COMP) to discuss rare diseases.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/eu2017mt/31332088906/in/album-72157675458927640/