Scott Grech

Although Parliament is expected to resume on 3 October following its summer recess, the government might approach the Opposition in the near future over the possibility of reconvening the House early to discuss the current economic situation in and around Malta, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said yesterday.

The Opposition, he said, should not rub its hands in glee at the recent downgrading of Malta’s economy by credit rating agency Moody’s, and he again warned that these are difficult times and stressed that the economies of other countries worldwide has a direct influence on Malta’s own economy.

Speaking at the Granaries as part of the PN’s celebrations to mark the 47th anniversary of Malta’s Independence, Dr Gonzi defended the running of Mater Dei hospital, which has often been criticised by the Opposition for its long waiting hours and lack of resources, and described it as “one of Europe’s best hospitals”.

Dr Gonzi appealed for more cooperation with the unions representing employees at Mater Dei and said that the PN was fundamental in ensuring that the health sector enjoyed a smooth transition from St Luke’s hospital to the new “state-of-the-art” hospital.

He said that while many other countries worldwide have had to introduce several austerity measures, health services in Malta remain free of charge.

Health Minister Joe Cassar said that in the first six months of the year, over 21,000 operations were carried out at Mater Dei, which marked an increase of over 4,000 operations when compared to the same period last year.

Around 120 operations take place every day, Dr Cassar added, stressing that this is only possible thanks to the government’s continuous investment in the health sector.

In a recent interview, Mater Dei’s CEO Joseph Caruana said that it costs around €500,000 to run Mater Dei on a daily basis and questioned the sustainability of continuing to provide free health care in the long run.

Dr Cassar heaped praise on the hospital’s nurses, doctors and surgeons, who he said are being given attention at an international level for their sterling help in treating some of the wounded in the recent conflict in Libya.

He said that Malta was recently described as having “a world class health system” by CNN reporters during their rapportage of the arrival of Ethiopian nanny Shwejga Mullah, who was severely scalded with boiling water by Hannibal Gaddafi’s wife Aline after she refused to beat their daughter.

Dr Cassar stated that Malta is slowly becoming one of the pioneers in medical treatment, and the numbers of those who have to go abroad to receive specialised treatment is decreasing rapidly. He said that at the moment, a new deep brain stimulation treatment is being used on patients suffering from Parkinson’s Disease – a treatment which is only offered by a limited number of hospitals around Europe.

Resources and Rural Affairs Minister George Pullicino said this legislature will always be remembered as one which worked hard to provide families with more recreational spaces in different areas across the islands.

People living in the south of Malta, especially, are benefiting from a safer and cleaner environment, Mr Pullicino said, and commented that in a few years’ time, new parks in Marsascala, Delimara and Ta’ Qali will be completed for more families to enjoy.

He said the government is committed to reducing the number of cars on the island, but called for a change in perception for this to happen.

Mr Pullicino said that although a few teething troubles still persist, the recent public transport reform will revolutionise life in Malta and added that the government recently acquired EU funds to purchase 25 electric cars and to create 100 charging points in various spots around Malta and Gozo.

Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono said that Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik heaped praise on the government’s eco-Gozo concept during his visit to Malta on Thursday, and said that the emphasis in the coming few years will be on the creation of more green jobs.

Employment in Gozo has increased by over seven per cent in the past two years, Mrs Debono said.