A member of my family has to attend Sir Paul Boffa hospital for the first time for Oxaliplatin treatment. We are in the know that, after five years, a limited supply for eight patients has finally arrived and this is being given free of any charge. Before the arrival of this consignment, this medicine used to be given against payment and after the exhaustion of this supply, it will be given against payment again.

We were shocked to learn that that for this medication we are now to pay Lm373.75 every time.

A patient may need this medication from one to fourteen times, depending on how he/she reacts to bi-weekly treatment.

This is too much of a financial burden, especially for those with limited income such as pensioners or those who, due to ill health, had to retire early. Apart from this exorbitant expense, one has to consider other expenses such as various pills, doctors’ and specialists’ bills and day-to-day needs, especially if one still has young children to bring up.

In the name of my family I would like to thank most heartily all the staff at Sir Paul Boffa hospital for their dedication and hard work. These “angels” really live up to their vocation with their humane service, not only towards the patients but also towards their families.

A special thanks also goes to the Community Chest Fund for their financial assistance which, although being only a part of the expense, is greatly appreciated. Having benefited from the generosity of this Fund, we can today better understand the purpose of its existence.

I would like to appeal to the health authorities, and in particular the Health Ministry, to give special attention and priority to the situation mentioned above. It is enough that one has to accept with difficulty such a situation and pluck up courage to move on with hope and faith in God.

With more help from the authorities concerned we at least would not succumb under this financial burden.

After all, the patient will have given his/her share to society while still healthy and working by the paying of taxes and national insurance contributions.

And it is for this reason that, when in such a situation, a patient of the type mentioned above feels it is a right to be given all the treatment needed without any payment whatsoever.

John Tanti

Naxxar