Nationalist MEP candidate Francis Zammit Dimech yesterday called for certain drugs, known to reduce the spread of breast cancer to the rest of the body, to be offered free by the State as patients are having to spend thousands to buy them.

He said that upon being prescribed the drug and being receptive to it, patients with advanced breast cancer must purchase the treatment privately – sometimes costing them thousands of euro per month.

Some patients resort to help from the Community Chest Fund, which assists with a percentage of the cost, he noted.

Dr Zammit Dimech’s call for the drugs to be included in the government’s list of free medicines was supported by local non-governmental organisations Europa Donna Malta and the Action for Breast Cancer Foundation.

The drugs in question include Everolimus as well as Pertuzamab and T-DM1.

We should ensure that it is provided for immediately

“If there is any form of medical treatment available that has been known to be one of the greatest advances in medicine and which could give people a second chance, prolonged life and improve their quality of life, then we should ensure that it is provided for immediately,” Dr Zammit Dimech said.

Everolimus for example, is currently being offered to patients who are receptive to it in EU Member States such as Cyprus.

Dr Zammit Dimech said the local NGOs are calling for these drugs to be included as free medicinals as they believe they would give hope and courage to those afflicted by such a serious illness.

“I share their concern and support them in their cause. Everyone deserves a second chance to live.

“One such tangible solution is to ensure the provision of these drugs by the State,” he said in a statement.

As part of his campaign, Dr Zammit Dimech visited the Malta Hospice Movement as a tribute to the voluntary sector and organisations where many dedicate their time and energy to the cause.

The Health Ministry did not reply to questions about the issue yesterday.