A new medicine for breast cancer patients has been added to the government’s list of free medicines.

A government statement read that it is estimated that around 15 patients will be given this medicine every year, noting that the medicine, administered by injection, is for advanced stages of breast cancer.

It is the latest in a number of medicines specialised for cancer added to the government’s free list, with the statement noting that the Health Ministry will be spending some €18 million this year for new cancer medicines alone.

The statement read that the measure is in conformity with the 2017 electoral manifesto, which read that the fight against cancer will be one of the main priorities of the health sector.