Private family doctors who are specialists in family medicine can now prescribe four additional medicinal products included in the Government Formulary for eligible patients under their care, the Health Ministry said.

These products are omeprazole for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD); ibandronic acid, which is used to treat osteoporosis; complete nutritional liquid (sip-feed supplement); and fluid thickener. The latter two may be prescribed to patients who require nutritional support or assistance with swallowing, according to their clinical needs.

Minister for Health Ian Borg announced this development as part of a series of initiatives by the Ministry for Health, to provide communities in Malta and Gozo with better and more accessible community-based care, with the full support of family doctors and other specialists.

Under these new prescribing arrangements, eligible patients will be able to receive these treatments through the public health service on the basis of a request and prescription issued by their private doctor, without requiring a referral to another specialist. This will be subject to the applicable Schedule V entitlement, formulary protocols and clinical guidelines.

More than 35,000 patients in Malta are currently approved to benefit from these medicinal products, while new patients will benefit from this change, the Ministry said

Chief Government Medical Officer Dr Clarence Pace emphasised that this change will continue to ease the burden on healthcare institutions. “This is an important step because it will not only reduce the need for patients to make unnecessary visits to other professionals, but will also further ease the pressure on our health centres and hospitals,” Dr Pace said.

These, and other recently announced measures will reduce avoidable referrals, save patients time and money, and enable care to be provided closer to their homes, while maintaining the safeguards necessary for the safe and appropriate use of medicine, he said..

The Heath Ministry said it will continue working with family doctors and relevant stakeholders to add further services that can be delivered safely and effectively within the community.

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