Minister for Health Chris Fearne has launched an independent inquiry to investigate the greenlighting by Mater Dei hospital to give outdated medicines to patients. The inquiry should be concluded in a two weeks and is being led by Doreen Ellul, from the office of the permanent secretary.

Speaking to journalist following a press conference of the government's National Diabetes Plan, the Minister said that he came to know about the outdated medicine issue after the Times of Malta reported it. The newspaper reported hospital CEO Ivan Falzon saying that the decision to give expired medicine to patients in critical condition was made following discussions between clinicians and hospital authorities.

The Minister said that the medicine in question, Tamiflu, is not included in the government's registry. Mr Fearne said that three patients were given this outdated medicine and said that these were isolated cases.

"It is a government's policy to use medicines according to the way they are licensed and their date of expiry."  

Speaking at a press conference at the Floriana Health Centre, the Minister said that this year, the government's plan is to focus on the effect of diabetes on eye-sight. He said that government is working to implement the government's diabetes plan and include more men power to work in this sector. He announced that the interviews for two new diabetes consultants at Mater Dei Hospital are being conducted.

More than 30,000 people are estimated to suffer from this condition. However, the Minister said that the government will soon launch a national census to get a clear picture of the local situation in this regard.