Joseph Cassar, Parliamentary Secretary for Health, took part at the informal meeting of European Union health ministers which came to an end yesterday in Brdo, Slovenia. The meeting was attended by the new Health Commissioner, Androulla Vassiliou.

In her inaugural address to ministers, Commissioner Vassiliou particularly emphasised the need to work on improving the health of young people. She also stated her intention to present a proposal on patients’ rights to cross border health care later this year.

Reducing the burden of cancer was the central topic of the meeting. In his intervention, Dr Cassar stated that tackling cancer is a national priority for Malta. He mentioned that a national cancer strategy is being formulated and that the government is planning to roll out a breast cancer screening programme.

He also referred to the project underway for the development of a new cancer treatment facility with investment in new equipment. Dr Cassar expressed his support for joint work at EU level to support member states in their efforts to tackle cancer. Antimicrobial resistance and policies on alcohol were also discussed during the meeting.