From 2023, new medicines and treatments will be introduced for free, including Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations, medicines for those suffering from multiple sclerosis, medicines treating the conditions of diabetes and osteoporosis, and updated specialised nutrition formulas, Finance Minister Clyde Caruana said yesterday.
Persons undergoing interventions involving the donation of gametes from third parties will begin to benefit from the drugs that are complementary to the services offered by the Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinic (ART). The Government Formulary will also be updated to include a number of these medicines free of charge.
Another fund for urgent cases of patients with suspicion or diagnosis of cancer will be created, so that they can be given the necessary treatment for a period of 12 weeks. Also, chemotherapy pumps that the patient can use from the comfort of home will be given, if and as prescribed by the respective consultant.
From 2023, services will be expanded, including oncology clinics at the primary care level, a Diabetes Centre at the Health Centre of Qormi, genitourinary clinics (GU) in the community, GP appointment clinics in health centres, and patients with high blood sugar will continue to be monitored through the Remote Patient Monitoring project.
The services provided by the ART Clinic that were supportive for those who wanted to have their first child, but had infertility problems, are to be extended to those who wish to have a second child. Pre-Implantation Genetic Testing (PGTM) will also be offered.
The ‘Nurse Navigator’ service at the Hospital Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre (SAMOC) will also be extended, assisting breast cancer patients and their families (from the start of the diagnosis until the end of the whole process) as necessary. Also, Gozo patients who have finished their cancer treatment will benefit from the Holistic Needs Assessment (HNA) Clinic, offered at the General Hospital of Gozo.
With the introduction of GU Clinics in the community, Mater Dei Hospital intends to expand the existing services by providing the Point of Care (POC) testing, intended for serious cases of sexually transmitted diseases, to be treated as soon as possible. In addition, services that are currently given within the CDAU and CYPS will be centralised in a “state-of-the-art centre so that the services provided are consolidated and integrated according to the needs of the children.”
A new blood bank, new outpatients building, and new underground parking under Mater Dei are amongst the new infrastructural projects planned for the coming years. Other projects proposed include the Ċensu Moran Regional Centre in Paola, a new centre in Victoria, Gozo, the modernisation of the wards at Mount Carmel Hospital, infrastructure investments in the accident, emergency, and medical imaging departments, and the third Cardiac Catheterisation Suite.
‘Assisted living in the community will be supported through sheltered accommodation, as well as for those who suffer from vicious behaviour,’ minister Caruana said when speaking on mental health. A Therapeutic Centre will also be introduced for people with a dual diagnosis of mental illness and vicious behaviour.
The ‘Wellness and Recovery Academy’ will be launched, so that users, carers, and professionals can achieve the necessary education on how to reduce stigma. A new ‘Acute Psychiatric Care Hospital’ near Mater Dei will be built in the coming years to offer a specialised service that complements what is currently being provided inside Mount Carmel.