Government Invests €2 million Annually To Extend Access To Innovative Medicine Empagliflozin

Minister for Health and Active Ageing Jo Etienne Abela has announced that the Government will be investing €2 million a year to extend access to the medicine Empagliflozin (Jardiance), used in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes, chronic heart failure (CHF), and chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Empagliflozin is recognised by health authorities worldwide not only for its role in controlling blood sugar levels but also for its additional benefits, including improving heart health and slowing the progression of kidney disease. The medicine helps patients and clinicians achieve better health outcomes and improves quality of life, making it an important tool in preventing life-threatening complications.

Minister Abela explained that over 7,500 diabetic patients are already benefiting from the treatment, with current annual spending amounting to €3 million. With the additional €2 million investment, around 4,300 more patients will gain access to Empagliflozin in the first year alone, with numbers expected to rise over time.

Prime Minister Abela concluded, “This investment demonstrates the Government’s commitment to providing sustainable, fair, and effective care, while improving patients’ quality of life. Services remain free of charge, but our goal is to continue investing in prevention to safeguard the lives of the Maltese and Gozitans.”

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