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The Minister for Health and Active Ageing, Jo Etienne Abela, has announced a number of new measures to further improve health services, access to treatments and the quality of care offered to patients. Dr Abela said that this is a step based on clinical evidence and continues to strengthen the Government's investment in modern and effective services. He mentioned how the drug Sertraline, with an investment of €500,000 per year, has been included in the Government Formulary. Dr Abela said that 3,700 patients will be benefiting from this measure. Dr Abela said that in the area of ​​Venous Thromboembolism (VTE), the Government will extend access to the drug Rivaroxaban, an anticoagulant known as a DOAC. This drug will be available for both the treatment and prevention of VTE, depending on the patient's clinical need. Eligibility will no longer be limited to specific conditions but will be based on clinical risk, with more than 2,300 patients expected to benefit, and with an investment of €400,000 per year. He also announced that the Government Formulary will now include a list of 32 new medicines for palliative care, with an investment of €2 million per year. This is so that patients can be given more personalised and effective care. Dr Abela said that the inclusion of the drug 5-ALA (5-amino levulonic acid) which is used during operations on brain tumors to help surgeons remove the tumor with more precision will come into effect. Around 50 patients per year are expected to benefit from this measure. Minister Abela also announced discounts on 70 different medicines through a collaboration between the Medicines Authority (MMA) and pharmaceutical distributors, with a reduction in the price of these products reaching up to 70%. These include treatments for epilepsy, diabetes, cholesterol and anxiety. He recalled that in addition, with the same collaboration between the parties, 48 ​​other medicines have maintained stable reduced prices since 2021. "We are continuing to add more new medicines to the formulary. As a Government we continue to insist on open access to new generic medicines so that more patients receive quality treatment at more affordable prices. These measures reflect the ongoing commitment to ensuring that the patient remains at the centre of the health service, while continuing to invest in more innovative, accessible and sustainable care," concluded Dr Abela. Photo: MHA