15 new epilepsy medicines to be available free
€1.5 million investment to benefit over 4,000 patients
Over 4,000 epilepsy patients will benefit from a €1.5 million investment in free medication, the Health Minister announced on Tuesday.
Jo Etienne Abela said that 15 new medicines for the treatment of epilepsy will be added to the Government Formulary.
Access to these medications, which will be available both in pill and syrup form, is expected to improve seizure control, reduce pressure on acute services, and enhance quality of life, the minister said.
“The introduction of these medications is another step toward fairer access to care and improving the quality of life of patients with epilepsy and their families. With this expansion of the Government Formulary, the message is clear: essential treatment should not depend on exceptions, but should be an integral part of the standards of the health system,” Abela said.
Drug-resistant epilepsy is a condition in which epileptic seizures persist despite adequate treatment with medicinal therapies. This often leads to frequent and unpredictable seizures, significantly impacting daily functioning, education, employment, and the quality of life of patients and their families.
The condition is also associated with a higher risk of injuries, hospital admissions, and long-term complications.