Dithrocream

I refer to the letter by Emanuel Abela, Director of Information, under the heading Micanol (October 6).

In the first instance, I suggest that Mr Abela familiarises himself with the facts. One question that comes to mind is on what criteria did the specialists advise to introduce Micanol. This was supposedly because it was not associated with irritation or staining. Is it possible that I was the exception to the rule and Micanol produced the opposite effect on me?

As already stated in my previous letter, in my case Micanol had a number of undesired side effects and was not effective at all. The fact that Micanol is more expensive than Dithrocream is irrelevant. It is the end result that matters.

Moreover, when I took up the matter with a high-ranking Health Ministry official, he suggested that I ask my dermatologist to apply for Dithrocream to the Drug and Therapeutics Committee (DTC) on my behalf, adding: "I do not see why it should not be approved". Therefore, I cannot see why my request has been turned down.

Once again, I would like to appeal to the health authorities either to reconsider and approve my request to procure Dithrocream on a named patient basis or to reconsider the decision taken and reintroduce the product on the government formulary.