Solved! Pharmacies' order to not sell face masks lifted as authorities come to an agreement
Malta Chamber of SMEs just issued a statement.
Following yesterday’s announcement that a capping of prices on surgical masks and face shields will be implemented, a directive was issued this morning telling pharmacies not to sell the products until the situation was clarified. The Malta Chamber of SMEs just announced that this ban has been lifted in a new statement.
"This has been made possible due to a compensation package that has been agreed. This will make up for any losses that pharmacy owners may incur due to wholesale purchases made by them at prices that would not allow them to sell at the new announced price. As such, the temporary ban on the selling of disposable surgical masks is being lifted with immediate effect," the Chamber said.
The decision was made by Mr Paul Abela and Mr Mario Debono, the President and the Chairman of the Healthcare section on behalf of the Malta Chamber of SMEs respectively, and the Minister of the Economy, Hon Silvio Schembri. "As part of the discussions, Minister Schembri also assured the SME Chamber that there will also be a revision of the VAT rates on Personal Protective Equipment, in order to further make the price of these items lower to the general public. It is further being noted that pharmacies are only selling items that have the correct certification."