New testing equipment for HIV will be available at Mater Dei Hospital from this week, and will provide prompt results as to whether one is affected by the virus.

Announced in parliament this morning during a discussion on the health sector, Minister for Health Chris Fearne said the results will become much quicker.

"The patients will have immediate responses which would be delivered on that same day, rather than waiting for days," said Fearne, adding that this "would decrease the change of the virus spreading".

 

Hepatitis C to be eradicated in five years, plan to introduce free transgender services

The Hepatitis C virus will be wiped out in Malta within the next five years, said Fearne. The health minister added that treatment for patients suffering from Hepatitis C is very costly, extending to approximiately €70,000 per patient.

Fearne added that the government will also be shortly introducing new, free services for transgender individuals.