Minister for Health and Active Ageing Jo Etienne Abela announced that over 4,000 people will benefit from an investment of €1.5 million in free epilepsy medicines. It was explained that drug-resistant epilepsy is a condition where epileptic seizures persist despite adequate treatment with medicinal therapies.
This situation often leads to frequent and unpredictable seizures, with a significant impact on the daily functioning, education, employment and quality of life of patients and their families. The condition is also associated with an increased risk of injuries, hospitalisations and long-term complications. These medicines will be available in both tablet and syrup form.
Minister Jo Etienne Abela said that with this investment the Government is making a strong and concrete financial commitment, in order to continue to strengthen access to modern and effective treatments for patients with epilepsy. “This step reflects the Government’s determination to continue investing in a way that gives direct value to Maltese and Gozitan families, with stronger health services closer to the needs of the people”, said Dr Abela.
Minister Abela said that with this investment, the Government Formulary will be increased by approximately 15 new medicines for the treatment of epilepsy. Access to these medicines is expected to improve seizure control, reduce pressure on acute services, and enhance quality of life. “The introduction of these medicines is another step towards fairer access to care and improving the quality of life of epilepsy patients and their families. With this expansion in the Government Formulary, the message is clear. Essential treatment should no longer depend on an exception, but should be an integral part of the standards of the health system”, concluded Dr Abela.
