Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1283588
3 LETTERS & EDITORIAL maltatoday | SUNDAY • 30 AUGUST 2020 Mikiel Galea Letters & Clarifications Biosimilar switch for arthritis sufferers In a rather emotionally-charged speech, the president of the Arthritis and Rheu- matism Association of Malta (ARAM), Mary Vella, spoke about the situation of biologicals and biosimilars at the ARAM AGM, where she explained how Mal- tese rheumatology patients are being switched from biologics to biosimilars at pharmacy level. In Malta stocks of a biologic can dry up, and then the patients are offered a bi- osimilar substitute, with no option. Fur- thermore, when the patient refuses the switch, he is directed to his consultant in hospital. This is not a feasible option at the present time to go to Mater Dei for counselling and training on the new injecting device. In doing so, Malta is going against all recommendations from international bodies about switching, especially during the current pandemic. EULAR (European League Against Rheumatism) recom- mendations state that no switch should take place before a thorough consultation between the patient and the prescribing consultant. Vella pointed out that substituting with biosimilars offered the advantage of cost-saving, so savings can be ploughed back into the health system. Although Malta was among the first countries to introduce biologicals in rheumatology some 20 years ago, Malta is still in a lag phase in patient access with regards to novel drugs for rheumatology patients. So much for re-ploughing the savings back into the system! Vella appealed to the government to keep patients on the same biological as these patients are considered as highly vulnerable. Jane Giudice Secretary, ARAM Royal memory lane I was pleasantly surprised with the virtual experience platform launched by the Heritage Malta authorities for the general public to tour Villa Guar- damangia in 3D. I think it is a splendid idea. For people like me, who have a long-time and fond connection with Malta since the late 1960s and 1970s, anything that reminds me of that Malta past is such an uplifting experience. But I would like to suggest that the same treatment is reserved for so many other important Maltese museums and similar homes, that those who cannot physically witness their glory, be al- lowed to have – as Heritage Malta aptly puts it – a "privileged glimpse into a bygone era." I do hope to be back in Malta to final- ly experience Villa Guardamangia in all its dimensions, not just virtually. Richard Croft, Berkshire, UK Disregard for Maltese countryside I wonder: how many Maltese, tourists or otherwise enterprising individuals, saunter into the French countryside to wilfully spray red arrows for their own profit-minded enterprises? I am simply amazed at the kind of mulish ignorance with which profiteering fellows who discover Malta's tourism possibilities, think that our land is for their taking. Is it because they treat us as southern Mediterranean, backwater buffoons; is it a kind of patronising treatment of the Maltese from 'northern' types that makes it so easy for them to break the rules here? Or is it our fault: that somehow, we impart upon them our own wilful breach of rules, our uncaring relationship to the countryside and our natural heritage? As an island-nation that for too long has tended to serve only too willingly those who bring over investment and money-spending tourists to Malta, I do hope that we also send a clear message of punishment for such rule-breakers. Well done to the ERA and the police for having identified the culprit. They deserve to be made an example of, for the rest of the industry to take note. E. Sultana, St Paul's Bay