Malta is commemorating the 40th anniversary of the UK Malta health reciprocal agreement which gives hope to so many Maltese people via treatment in London hospitals, President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca said yesterday.
Speaking at a reception organised by the Malta High Commission to celebrate the event, Dr Coleiro Preca said that earlier this year, the Malta Community Chest Fund was established as a Foundation, with the aim of continuing to provide financial and material assistance, as well as professional support, to people in need, in order to improve quality of life and care of individuals and society in general.
"This year, I also launched the President’s Trust with the aim of supporting vulnerable young people who are unemployed or struggling at school, and are at risk of social exclusion.
"The UK-Malta bi-lateral health agreement has saved many lives of Maltese citizens and provided a better quality of life, at a time when people are most vulnerable. Since 1975 it is estimated that around 15,000 Maltese patients benefited from this agreement.
"My heartfelt gratitude go to you, the many doctors, specialists and health care teams that provide brilliant treatment and care in the UK to our dear Maltese patients.
"I am sure you appreciate that, while treatment is being offered for free, patients travelling to the UK encounter difficulties, for example to fund travel for anyone accompanying them. I have seen firsthand the trauma these people go through, some travelling to the UK for the first time, some experience language barriers, the need for accommodation, sometimes over a long period of time, and others not being able to cope with the situation.
"Besides supporting patients going abroad for treatment, the Malta Community Chest Fund provides financial, material and professional support to people experiencing difficulties because of severe chronic illness, including cancer, as well as to persons with disability, people in poverty, unemployed or having no resources.
"It is through the spirit of solidarity that we can support patients and their families in their moment of need," the President said.