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3 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 4 JANUARY 2023 NEWS PN wants government to compensate patients whose medications are out of stock MARIANNA CALLEJA PATIENTS compelled to buy medicines because they are out of stock on the Pharmacy of Your Choice scheme should be reimbursed the cost, the Na- tionalist Party said. PN MPs Claudette Buttigieg and Ian Vassallo Hagi renewed their appeal for government to come clean on the situation of out-of-stock medicines and the negative impact this is having on patients. The MPs claimed that certain medications were being ra- tioned. "In certain cases, a box of tab- lets is shared between Mater Dei Hospital, which distributes them solely in emergencies, and exclusive pharmacies," Vassallo Hagi said. The MPs raised concern on the secondary impacts that ra- tioning and out-of-stock drugs are having on patients and their families. "The crisis is not only causing anxiety in patients but also in their families, who would do an- ything to treat their loved ones. We've heard cases of people paying large sums of money to buy medicines and setting aside the purchase of other necessi- ties," the MPs said. They expressed concern that Mater Dei is having to treat patients impacted by shortag- es, when this could be avoided, such as diabetes sufferers. "People with untreated diabe- tes could suffer terrible conse- quences but insulin stock has not been in line with patients' needs," Vassallo Hagi said. Buttigieg said the Prime Min- ister was trying to hide the problem instead of addressing it. "Patients are suffering. Don't be arrogant and don't ignore the Opposition. The opportuni- ty for discussion remains," she concluded. Last week, the PN asked for an urgent meeting of parliament's health committee to discuss the situation of out-of-stock medi- cines. The PN had noted that the list of out-of-stock medicines was getting longer and the official list of medicine shortages had not been published for the past two months. The list of out-of-stock medi- cines include: Novorapid (insu- lin for diabetics), Latanoprost (medicine to treat high pressure inside the eye), Galvus (used to lower blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus), Goserelin Injection (a type of hormone therapy used to treat breast cancer in pre- menopausal women), Creon (for a number of conditions as- sociated with the stomach) and a number of antibiotics. The Health Ministry had said that certain medicines impact- ed by global shortages had ar- rived and were being distribut- ed through the POYC, insisting the situation is under control. PN MPs Ian Vassallo Hagi (left) and Claudette Buttigieg CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 The party noted his contri- butions to the ONE media sta- tions, having worked in broad- casting. "Silvio Parnis is a politician of strong socialist beliefs and an example of how one should always keep their feet on the ground and listen to the needs of the citizen." Prime Minister Robert Abela also paid tribute. "Silvio Parnis was a person who, when you spoke to him, the discussion would always revolve around what people need, what one can do to improve the lives of those who can't bear the bur- den." Labour minister Julia Far- rugia Portelli recalled visit- ing Parnis in hospital on New Year's Eve. "Till the very end, you put others before yourself. I asked you who you were feel- ing, I squeezed your hand, and you fell into a long sleep." "Silvio Parnis will live on in the many good things he did for the small, sick and distressed." In its tribute, the National- ist Party said Parnis always worked towards the values of social justice while helping those in need. "This work was appreciated by the electorate who, election after election, put their trust in him." Former prime minister Jo- seph Muscat said he last spoke to Parnis a week earlier when he was still at home. "As al- ways, you didn't complain and told me that you weren't feel- ing bad. You keep things to yourself." "The moment Michelle and I arrived next to you we knew it was our last goodbye, but we didn't know that we reached you during your last few breaths and that you would leave us just a few minutes lat- er." Former Nationalist MP Jason Azzopardi paid tribute to Par- nis, having both grown up in Paola. "We grew up together. Mużew and football togeth- er. He was with me when my mum died when I was 15 years old. We travelled together. We laughed together. We cried to- gether." "Pray for us Silvio. Because you will pray for us more than we pray for you, as I surely promise." Labour MEP and former prime minister Alfred Sant also paid respect to Parnis. He said he always considered Parnis as not just an activist or politician but also as a friend. "I send my condolences and sorrow to his family. He left us too soon." Parnis is survived by his wife Dorianne and their son Jacob. 'Parnis will live on in the many good things he did for the small, sick and distressed'