“We need to invest more in new drugs that can offer a cure and save lives of diabetics” MEP Francis Zammit Dimech 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.
During the meeting Zammit Dimech spoke about the importance of investing more in prevention. He recalled 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. He said that the implementation of 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.
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.
Referring to public calls made by professionals for the introduction of anti-diabetes drug treatment in the local national formulary, 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 Euro 150 a month”.
Several people who have diabetes are still unaware of their condition and professionals realise when complication arise. Identifying diabetes at an earlier stage can avoid complications and start treatment at an early stage.
In this regard, Zammit Dimech said that while taking note of the resources this would entail, several professionals had raised with him the need to start considering a screening service targeting the 40-60 year age cohort. Professionals had also called for new programmes to address diabetes during and after pregnancy.
Earlier on Zammit Dimech 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 cochair of the Diabetes Working Group at the European Parliament 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 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 Ħaż-Żebbuġ Local Council.
