A recent most significant editorial A Matter Of Life And Death highlighted the plight of cancer victims who face the momentous struggle to find Lm15,000 to pay for medication.

For patients who can afford this treatment, the consequences may be slighter, knowing that this wonder drug offers a great deal of hope in overcoming the ailment.

Sadly, I imagine for the majority, the whole affair presents financial hardship coupled with the terrible and traumatic effects of this dreadful disease.

The Malta Community Chest Fund is helping some patients with half this amount, an admirable and generous gesture indeed.

However I still feel that Lm7,500 is still an awful lot of money for ordinary persons to lay their hands on.

My question is three-fold. Why are these patients not covered by the National Health Service?

Is it the price tag that excludes them from undergoing a treatment which most of us thought we could expect for free under the rules of the NHS?

Is the government offering a comprehensive NHS or a limited or indeed capped version?

There is hardly any point in having a state-of-the-art hospital with the latest equipment that medical technology can provide plus every imaginable comfort, when this life-saving medication for cancer victims cannot be administered because of money issues. The amount of money required to treat a cancer patient is a pittance compared to the millions spent on Mater Dei.

Untenable as the NHS predicament may be, the matter needs to be dealt with by the ministers responsible.

When the price of oil started hitting record prices on the world markets, the government was not shy or hesitant to introduce a hefty surcharge to make up for the deficit.

Likewise, a decision needs to be taken in this sector, whether through higher social security contributions or through means testing for medical and hospital services. The government has a responsibility to address this incompetence.

Legally and morally, the NHS cannot deny life-saving treatment to these patients. Life cannot be measured through monetary values. The inevitable outcome does not justify the means.

Finally, I would like to appeal to all the philanthropic organisations, the business community, the Church authorities and all involved in the TV and media, to bring to light this predicament faced by cancer victims and their families.

This disease has no time frame and shows no discrimination. It affects persons from all walks of life, young and old. They cannot afford to wait! Charity begins at home.