Scabies is contagious and can spread quickly through close person-to-person contact in a family, childcare group, school class, nursing home or prison. Because scabies spreads so easily, it is considered a public health issue. 

Scabies is easily treated. Medicated skin creams or pills kill the mites that cause scabies and their eggs but itching may not stop for many weeks after treatment. That’s where ivermectin comes in, helping recurrent and long-term cases.

It has been locally available for 15 years and is reportedly widely available across the EU.

However, the Health Ministry insisted that there is a worldwide shortage of ivermectin, due to its surge in use during the pandemic. Ivermectin was used by some as an alternative treatment for COVID-19.

“Malta’s source of supply for this drug was from the UK but the importer fell short of fulfilling all the Maltese licensing requirements. CPSU – the Health Department’s procurement arm – has issued an emergency call for the drug,” a spokesperson said. 

However, sources rejected that claim, insisting that bureaucratic football between the Medicines Authority, the Procurement Division and the Public Health Department is the reason behind the delay. 

Sources insisted that importers were put off by the excessive and unnecessary red tape in bringing the medication to Malta and called on authorities to take a calculated risk and treat patients immediately. 

“Scabies can spread rapidly through the community and we need to act quickly,” they said.

“In situations of serious public health matters, the health department can override this excessive red tape.”

Sources suggested that the authorities must facilitate the importation and provision of this essential drug, otherwise, no importer will take it on.

Meanwhile, sources have claimed that there is some stock of ivermectin at the Mater Dei pharmacy but it is not being provided given the issues between authorities.

What do you think of the shortage?