Patients suffering from prostate-related issues will eventually have access to four newly introduced free medicines that are to be covered by the government, Minister for Health Chris Fearne said today.

There are approximately 50,000 to 55,000 patients suffering from conditions connected to the prostate in Malta.

The government is to invest a total of €5,300,000 a year to make these medicines available, saving patients up to €400 a year depending on the medication they may be taking from the various types available.

Fearne explained that whilst two of the four medicines will be introduced from the first of October, the two remaining medicines will be readily available at the beginning of next year.

The medication availability is being staggered due to a large number of patients.

The minister also assured that those who did not already have an appointment with the Urology Department can keep their appointment and ask their doctor for a prescription, whilst those that do not have an appointment any time soon may ask their family doctor for a suggestion on the proper medicine.