Minister for Health and Active Ageing Jo Etienne Abela announced how the Government, with an investment of €2 million per year, will be extending access to the drug Empagliflozin (Jardiance), which is used in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes, chronic heart failure (CHF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD).
This drug is recognized by health authorities around the world where it not only helps in controlling blood sugar but also offers other benefits such as: improving heart health as well as reducing the progression of kidney disease. Empagliflozin helps patients and clinicians to achieve better outcomes for the health and quality of life of patients. Therefore it is an important tool in the prevention of serious life-threatening complications.
Minister Jo Etienne Abela said that so far over 7,500 diabetics are already benefiting at a cost of €3 million per year. He stressed that with an increase of another €2 million per year, around 4,300 additional people will benefit from Empagliflozin in the first year alone, with more people expected to be added over time.
“This investment demonstrates the Government’s commitment to offering sustainable, fair and effective care, while improving the quality of life of patients. The services are free, but our aim is to continue to invest more in prevention to safeguard the lives of Maltese and Gozitans,” concluded Dr Abela.
Photo: MHA
