Cancer patients have a right to free chemotherapy on government formulary – PN

by Gozo News · October 7, 2026

Nationalist Party Leader Alex Borg has discussed the way forward with the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses for better healthcare and improved conditions for healthcare workers.

The PN Leader stated that ”cancer patients have a right to chemotherapy on the government formulary, and the PN will continue working hard to ensure this remains a priority.”

During a pre-budget meeting with MUMN, the union representing nurses and midwives, Alex Borg said that the union’s proposals are similar to those of the Nationalist Party.

MUMN said it is putting forward three proposals for the forthcoming budget. The first is for chemotherapy to be included on the formulary so that cancer patients no longer have to beg for treatment or pay tens of thousands of euros out of their own pockets.

The union is also proposing that designated cubicles in the Emergency Department be allocated to cancer patients, with a fast-track system to prevent further health complications arising from infections they could contract while spending long hours in waiting areas.

MUMN’s other proposal is to update the waiting list system so that patients are informed when they are placed on a waiting list and immediately given a provisional date for an appointment or operation.

During the meeting, held at the PN Leader’s new office in the AZAD building in Valletta, Alex Borg said that all these proposals are important to ensure a more efficient service for patients.

He also spoke about conditions for nurses and midwives, on whom the healthcare sector depends, saying that we must ensure they have not only adequate salaries but also working conditions that allow them to enjoy a good quality of life themselves.

Alex Borg said that the PN will continue to insist on improvements to infrastructure, including strengthening the Emergency Department, and transparency regarding waiting lists.

He emphasised that much of what was discussed had been included in the Nationalist Party’s electoral manifesto for the last election.

Also present at the meeting were Shadow Minister for Finance Adrian Delia, Shadow Minister for the Economy, Technology and Strategic Projects Darren Carabott, and Shadow Minister for Health Stephen Spiteri.