MEP Francis Zammit Dimech has said that, “we need to invest more in new drugs that can offer a cure and save lives of diabetics.”

The MEP made these remarks after meeting Prof. Stephen Fava and Dr. Mario Cachia at the Diabetes Clinic at Mater Dei Hospital which sees over 13,000 patients every year.

Zammit Dimech spoke about the importance of investing more in prevention during the meeting, adding that this was why he had pushed for the timely introduction of the EU funded fruit and veg scheme and for Erasmus to invest more funds in sport.

“The EU Audio Visual Media Services Directive which aims to reduce exposure to publicity for unhealthy food and beverages among children had to be fully implemented,” said the MEP.

Zammit Dimech added that more investment was needed in the dietitian service in terms of training and human resources explaining that investment in prevention also meant a lower financial burden on the State in the long run. “We want the European way of life to be a healthy way of life,” he added.

Zammit Dimech welcomed the fact that new drugs had been introduced but noted that he was informed that other drugs recommended by professionals which could improve the quality of life of diabetics and available in other EU countries were still lacking. “One should keep in mind that not everybody can afford drugs that cost €150 a month.”

Zammit Dimech also said how professionals and policy makers had called for the need of a standardised national diabetes register to include all patients with diabetes and which would facilitate exchange of data across the EU to take concrete policy actions based on research and data.

Zammit Dimech, who is co chair of the Diabetes Working Group at the European Parliament, said that he is in the process of meeting further stakeholders on diabetes and over the coming days he will be presenting further proposals to better the lives of diabetics. Stakeholders met so far include the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Europe and the Diabetes Foot Research Group at the University of Malta.

Over the past year Zammit Dimech said that he has made five appeals to the government on diabetes and has successfully ensured that Continuous Glucose Monitors are provided for free to children and the introduction of a Diabetic Nurse in Gozo.

Francis Zammit Dimech was accompanied by Josephine Xuereb, PN Candidate for Haz-Zebbug Local Council.

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