The medicine required for the treatment of Cystic Fibrosis has now arrived in Malta and is ready to be distributed to patients who need it after a €3 million investment, Prime Minister, Robert Abela, and Deputy Prime Minister, Chris Fearne announced today.

Cystic Fibrosis is a disorder that damages the lungs, the digestive system and other organs in the body, while also affecting cells that produce mucus, sweat and digestive juices. The government decided to invest in this medicine after a number of people, including Mandy Vella – a person who suffers from Cystic Fibrosis – alerted the authorities.

“In our country, they didn’t have access to this medicine, and they were living a life-or-death situation,” the Prime Minister said. “We promised them that the country won’t forget them. Today we are here with the medicine in our hands, ready to be used.”

The Prime Minister remarked that the investment of €3 million was for 14 patients who suffer from Cystic Fibrosis; however, the Government felt that it had to intervene as these people alone cannot buy this medicine, as it would cost around €200,000 per person per year. “This medicine will be an investment in the quality of life of people and it will also help their families,” Abela said.

“When we speak about the importance of our economy, it is because if we have a strong economy, we can afford to do things like this which safeguard the health of the people,” he said.

The Prime Minister also thanked the workers of the Central Procurement and Supplies Unit (CPSU) for their work to obtain this medication as well as during the pandemic in the obtaining of vaccines.

The government formulary is being increased and it should increase more, the Prime Minister said, while also noting that more than 130,000 people benefit from the formulary.

From his part, the Health Minister said that moments like this are special in politics. “The best moments in politics is when you see the results of decisions you would have taken which would help people to live a better life.”

Fearne remarked that this particular topic is “close to his heart” as he had studied Cystic Fibrosis around 25 years ago.

“A number of years ago, being diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis was a death sentence. Now, with the medicines which are being introduced, the life expectancy is increased by a lot,” he remarked.

Fearne also observed that the medicines obtained were approved by the European Medicine Agency (EMA) last year.