Malta will be made into a 'centre of excellence' for diabetes patients if the National Government is elected, Nationalist Party Leader Simon Busuttil announced today.  

Dr Busuttil was speaking at a news conference at Mater Dei this morning, where he announced some of the Nationalist Party's health proposals in the run up to the coming general election on 3 June.

"I want Malta to be a centre of excellence in diabetes," he said, adding that, under a Nationalist Government, insulin will be given for free to all patients of diabetes type 2. Dr Busuttil said that those individuals who have diabetes type 2 make up about 10% of the Maltese population. "Not to mention those who have it and are currently unaware that they do," he said.

Diabetes type 2 is often linked to obesity. The latter will also be seen to by a Nationalist Government, announced Dr Busuttil, who said that facilities for the monitoring and intervention of cancer, cardiovascular and obesity, above other illnesses will be provided by the government. "Prevention is better than cure," he said, "but we need good facilities in order to monitor and screen." The party is planning on decreasing the level of obesity to the average European mean, in a period of ten years, getting involved with schools and local councils.

 

The party is also pledging to create a new centre of mental health 'similar to the oncology centre', in order to stop using Mount Carmel. Dr Busuttil emphasized the need to provide more support to mental health and to the crisis intervention team, who he believes should work 24 hours a day.

Dr Busuttil also pledged free chemotherapy under a new Nationalist Government, for individuals suffering from cancer. "There should never be a limit to needed screening," he said, "if there is need, something will stop in order for a person to receive free chemo. I feel very strongly about this, if need be, we stop works on a road in order to save the life of a person, the life of a person should be put first."

A multi disciplinary 'one-stop' clinic for conditions like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome will also be created, said Dr Busuttil.  "Services for these types of conditions are not adequate at the moment when compared to the demand," he said.

He also mentioned that Gozitans will be "given their general hospital back", from a private into a public service. 

When it comes to free medication, Dr Busuttil said that prescribed medicine will be given free to pensioners. He said that free medication will also be given to those who suffer from chronic illnesses like diabetes and eczema.  

Dr Busuttil went on to say that tax breaks and refunds will be given to those companies and people who choose to have medical insurance. He added that support from the government will also be given to Non Governmental Organisations working in the medical sector. "We want to get into agreements with NGOS as we want them to recognize their importance," he said.  Government support will also be provided to those helping elderly people and individuals at home with permanent physical illnesses.

 The party is also proposing a refurbishment of cemeteries, starting with Addolorata. He said that new health centres will be built in the north and centre of Malta.

Photos and video Mike Camilleri