Private family doctors who are specialists in family medicine can now prescribe four additional medicines available through the Government Formulary, allowing eligible patients to access treatment without first being referred to another specialist, the Ministry for Health said in a statement.
The measure, announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Ian Borg, forms part of the government's wider efforts to strengthen community healthcare and expand the role of family doctors in Malta and Gozo.
The newly available medicines are omeprazole for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), ibandronic acid for osteoporosis, complete nutritional liquid supplements (sip-feed), and fluid thickeners for patients who require nutritional support or assistance with swallowing.
Under the new arrangements, eligible patients will be able to obtain these treatments through the public health service using a prescription issued by their private family doctor. Access will remain subject to Schedule V entitlement, Government Formulary protocols and established clinical guidelines.
According to the Health Ministry, more than 35,000 patients are already approved to receive these medicines, while newly eligible patients are also expected to benefit from the change.
Chief Government Medical Officer Clarence Pace said the initiative would help reduce unnecessary referrals and ease pressure on hospitals and health centres.
"This is an important step because it will not only reduce the need for patients to make unnecessary visits to other professionals, but will also further ease the pressure on our health centres and hospitals," Pace said.
The announcement follows reforms introduced on 1 September enabling private family medicine specialists and other private specialists to request a broader range of blood tests and ultrasound examinations through the public health service. Those referrals and test results are processed electronically via the myHealth system.
The ministry said the combined measures are intended to reduce avoidable referrals, save patients time and money, and allow more care to be delivered within the community while maintaining safeguards governing the use of government-funded medicines.
Borg said the changes reflected the government's confidence in family doctors and its commitment to expanding community-based healthcare.
"We want to empower the professionals who can care for patients close to their homes and within our towns and villages, beyond state hospitals and clinics," he said.
The Health Ministry said it would continue working with family doctors and other stakeholders to identify additional services that can be safely delivered within the community.