Minister for Health and Active Ageing Jo Etienne Abela has announced an important step in the public health service with the introduction of a class of innovative medicine called GLP-1 agonists, which is proven with positive results in the control of diabetes and excess weight.
The Health Minister said that after a thorough evaluation and consultation with health professionals, a decision was made that the Government follows a responsible approach, based on scientific evidence and long-term sustainability.
Dr Abela said that although this medicine alone is not enough, it offers the best effective pharmaceutical care, which together with physical exercise, a balanced diet and multidisciplinary support leads to better well-being.
The Minister explained how the first phase of this initiative will target around 2,000 patients with Type II diabetes and severe obesity (Obesity Class 3 and 5 or BMI of 40 and above). The investment for this phase is around €5 million.
“Diabetes and obesity have a major impact on the physical and mental health of affected individuals, as well as on their quality of life. Therefore, this approach addresses the patient holistically, and not just one condition,” reiterated Dr Abela.
Minister Abela said that the therapy will be accompanied by continuous monitoring and professional support to ensure good and sustainable results. In the future, the initiative will be gradually expanded to reach more patients, always with a focus on scientific evidence and sustainability.
“This measure reflects a modern vision of public health that places the patient at the centre by combining innovation with responsibility within a framework of sustainable services,” concluded Dr Abela.
Photo: DOI/Pierre Sammut