The government has signed an agreement with the Mediterraneo per i trapianti e terapie ad alta specilalizzazione – an Italian specialised organ transplant centre.

The health ministry said that thanks to this agreement more Maltese patients will be given specialised treatment in Italy.

Four Maltese patients had a lung transplant at the ISMETT, which is located in Palermo, in the past four years. The agreement will provide for assistance to Maltese patients who undergo lung, liver and kidney transplants.

The agreement also covers specialised training for Maltese specialist, including those who perform heart, kidney and pancreas transplants.

Health Minister Chris Fearne, who signed the agreement for the Maltese government, said Maltese patients would be given the best possible treatment thanks to the agreement with ISMETT.