Moreover, those who suffer from chronic illnesses are also entitled to their disease-specific medicines free of charge, without means-testing. Since 2008 these can be collected from any phaimacy, including those in the private sector, resulting in improved access. In all other cases, patients must purchase pharmaceuticals out of pocket, except during hospitalisation and for the first three days following discharge (MISSOC, 2016). Furthermore, the President's Malta Community Chest Fund (a philanthropic foundation) has extended its role in financing drugs that are not yet included in the benefits package. In addition, the second national cancer plan published in 2017 outlines a government pledge to include more cancer medications on the Government's Formulary list in the coming yeais. In 2015, such direct payments, as a share of total health expenditure, totalled 29%, significantly higher than the EU average of 15% (Figure 11).