Preparations are underway to introduce ten cancer medications into the government formulary, the government has said.

This means they will be provided free of charge. These are the first ten of over 40 cancer medications, the government continued.

Prime Minister Robert Abela made the announcement while on a visit to Maltese patients receiving medical treatment in London.

"This is part of the transitional shift in which the government will assume the cost of cancer medication from the Malta Community Chest Fund, ensuring that patients receive treatment as a right, not through charity," the government said. "Until the change is fully implemented, patients will continue to receive support from the Malta Community Chest Fund."

In London, alongside Angele Cuschieri and Rennie Zerafa of Puttinu Cares, Prime Minister Robert Abela and his wife Lydia Abela reiterated Malta's ongoing support for social causes, including the work carried out by this organization, which plays a vital role in Maltese society.

Abela spoke of the core values embraced by the Maltese and Gozitan people, such as love and solidarity, which are reflected in the tireless efforts of Puttinu Cares. "The burden should be carried by us as a government, not by the people. Above all, we must continue to provide peace of mind to families and to Puttinu Cares, who live a challenging journey, but in which it shows empathy with those who need a shoulder to lean on," Abela said. 

Joining Prime Minister Abela in London was Health and Active Aging Minister Jo Etienne Abela.

The Prime Minister's visit began at the Royal Marsden Hospital, considered one of the world's top oncology centers. Welcomed by consultant Dr. Francesca Sillito, Abela observed the specialized care provided to those in need. In one of the hospital's wards, the Prime Minister and Lydia Abela spent time with a Maltese patient currently receiving treatment at Royal Marsden.

The Prime Minister also met with Maltese surgeon Matthew Schembri, who works at Royal Marsden specializing in robotic prostate cancer treatment and researching the use of artificial intelligence to improve patient outcomes post-diagnosis.

On behalf of the Maltese Government, the Prime Minister also presented a donation to the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, which will go towards research projects focused on early disease detection, personalized treatment, and new therapies.

The visit continued at Puttinu Cares apartments in Sutton. Here, the delegation spoke with people of various ages staying in these residences while undergoing necessary treatment. Families highlighted the crucial support they receive from Puttinu Cares. It was also noted that government assistance ensures that, during challenging times, travel costs are covered not only for one accompanying person, but also for a second individual when needed.

The visit moved on to Puttinu Cares' new property in central London, where new apartments are being built to house Maltese and Gozitan families closer to their medical treatment centers. It was announced that this building, funded through public donations and government support, will be named in honour of the late Dr. Victor Calvagna, who dedicated his life to helping children and families affected by cancer. Thanks to this new development, which now has permission for an additional floor, around 80% of patients and accompanying relatives who need accommodation will be able to stay while receiving treatment in the UK, the government said.

This is a major change from the situation twenty years ago when families had to independently arrange and fund their accommodation. Currently, between sixty and ninety patients travel from Malta to the UK each month for treatment at central London hospitals.

The Prime Minister's visit concluded at the Franciscan Sisters in London, who also dedicate their time and resources to providing heartfelt support and services that ease the lives of Maltese families during their times of difficulty.

Puttinu Cares President Angele Cuschieri thanked the Maltese and Gozitan public for their ongoing support of the organization. She reiterated the appeal for support during the upcoming Good Friday marathon, which will further make the dream of completing the London apartment project to accommodate Maltese families undergoing medical treatment in the UK, a reality.

Cuschieri expressed how heartening it is that the country stands by families during their most difficult times and emphasized that Puttinu Cares' mission must not only continue but grow even stronger.

This visit to London was coordinated with the involvement of Malta's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Stephen Montefort.