The Health, the Elderly and Community Care Ministry congratulated Dr Raymond Busuttil, Superintendent of Public Health, on his appointment as a Member on the Standing Committee of the Regional Committee for Europe of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Dr Busuttil’s appointment is particularly welcomed in view of the fact that Malta has not been represented on this Standing Committee for the past 15 years and comes at a crucial time when Malta will be hosting the WHO Europe Regional Committee meeting in 2012. Through this appointment, Malta will be in a stronger position to affirm its commitment towards improving the health sector on a global level for the benefit of all patients.

The Standing Committee has an important role in the governance of WHO Europe. It is mandated to act for and represent the Regional Committee and to ensure that the decisions and policies of the Regional Committee are executed and implemented. It also advises and submits proposals to the Regional Committee together with the Regional Director and sets the agenda of the Regional Committee.

Dr Busuttil joined the Department of Health in 1988 and was appointed Director (Primary Care) in 1992. He became Director General in 1999 and, for the past 12 years, represented Malta in various fora, including meetings of the World Health Assembly and the Regional Committee for WHO Europe.