More than 5,300 patients are expected to benefit from the addition of escitalopram and alprazolam to the Government Formulary, with an annual investment of around €355,000, the Health Ministry said.

The two medicines will be provided free of charge to eligible patients through the Pharmacy of Your Choice (POYC) scheme as part of the implementation of Malta's National Mental Health Strategy.

Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Ian Borg said the government was focusing on implementing the strategy through concrete measures intended to improve the lives of patients and their families.

He said medication remained a necessary part of treatment in certain circumstances and that providing the two medicines free of charge would help prevent their cost from placing a burden on Maltese and Gozitan families.

Escitalopram, which is used to treat depression and several anxiety-related conditions, will be available in three strengths: 5mg, 10mg and 20mg. Treatment may be initiated by consultants in psychiatry, neurology and geriatrics, as well as family doctors.

The Government Formulary will also include alprazolam in 0.5mg tablets, which are used to treat certain anxiety-related conditions.

Government principal medical officer Clarence Pace said the additions built on previous efforts to expand the treatments available to people experiencing anxiety and depression.

He noted that the government had introduced new services and added several medicines to the formulary in recent years, including sertraline, which is used to treat these conditions.

The inclusion of escitalopram and alprazolam is intended to provide healthcare professionals with a wider range of treatment options and improve access to care within the community.

The Health Ministry said making the medicines available through the POYC scheme would also support continuity of care for eligible patients.