The introduction of new medicines for free on the Government list has been announced for those who suffer from chronic shortness of breath.

It is expected that around 6,000 patients will be benefiting from this initiative. People with COPD are at higher risk of being hospitalised, especially in the winter months.

The news was given on Wednesday by Health Minister Chris Fearne, who explained that these new drugs, which are long-acting muscarinic antogonists (LAMAs), help those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a chronic condition in the lungs that mainly affects smokers or former smokers.

Minister Fearne, who was addressing a press conference at Mater Dei Hospital, said that, “in addition to investing in new medicines that continue to make a difference in the daily lives of our patients, we are also investing in human resources. The respiratory diseases department has 6 consultants and we are in the process of hiring 3 more consultants.”

“With medicines like LAMAs on the government formulary, it will mean that patients with COPD will have their condition more under control and thus will not have to go to the hospital so often,” said Professor Montefort, consultant on respiratory diseases.

Photo: DOI/Reuben Piscopo

Permalink: New free medicine for those who suffer from chronic shortness of breath