Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela has announced that in the coming days, around 1,600 patients who are at risk of severe allergic reactions will begin receiving free adrenaline auto-injectors (EpiPens), as part of a new government measure aimed at improving patient safety.
The initiative, backed by an annual expenditure of approximately €352,000, will benefit 480 paediatric patients and 1,120 adult patients, while also easing the financial burden on families who previously had to purchase the medication themselves.
“The government is continuing to strengthen public healthcare services by introducing a new measure that places patient safety first,” Abela said.
He said that the measure represents an important step in the prevention and management of anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal condition where every second is critical.
The auto-injectors provide an essential life-saving tool in emergency situations, Abela said.
Eligible patients will be able to book appointments with government clinical consultants, who will assess eligibility based on previous episodes of anaphylaxis.
Once approved, the medication will be made available through the Pharmacy of Your Choice (POYC) scheme in line with updated guidelines.
Adult patients will receive two auto-injectors per year, one immediately and another later during the year, while paediatric patients will be provided with two auto-injectors at once.
Abela said that despite international procurement challenges, the government succeeded in securing the supply through coordinated efforts, with a clear focus on patient safety and wellbeing.
He said the initiative reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to a healthcare system that protects lives and improves the quality of life of citizens.
“This is a measure that can truly make the difference between life and death. We are investing not only in treatment, but also in prevention and peace of mind for patients and their families. Every patient at risk of anaphylaxis should have the necessary tools at hand in critical moments,” Abela said.