Pharmacy guide · 09

Who Qualifies for Free Medicines Through Malta’s POYC Scheme?

Living in Malta does not automatically make medicines free. POYC starts with an existing entitlement.

FreeMalta Editorial · Checked 23 September 2026 · 2 min read

POYC stands for Pharmacy of Your Choice. It lets eligible patients obtain government-supplied medicines through a participating community pharmacy. It is not a general promise that every medicine at every pharmacy is free.

Entitlement comes first

The official POYC FAQ says the scheme is open to patients entitled to the government’s free pharmaceutical service, notably those issued a Schedule V document or receiving a Pink Card. The medicines supplied depend on the patient’s entitlement and approved treatment, not simply on a request at the counter.

If you believe you qualify, check your entitlement documents and ask a participating pharmacy how to register and collect your medication. The official FAQ lists the paperwork and explains how changes to treatment are handled. If you do not yet have entitlement, start with your doctor or the relevant public health service rather than assuming pharmacy registration creates it.

Use the FreeMalta pharmacy directory for local contact details, then confirm directly that the pharmacy participates in POYC. If a regular medicine is unavailable, see what to ask before changing treatment.

This guide provides general information, not medical advice. Availability, opening hours and access requirements can change. Confirm with a pharmacist or healthcare professional before acting.

Sources checked
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