The government has announced a €2.2 million euro EU-funded sponsorship to individuals who pursue a career in genetic counselling, orthotics, and optometry.
The fund will be available for 13 people who pursue a BSC in Optometry, a BSC is Orthoptics, and a Masters in Genetic Counselling, and will cover fully paid tuition, paid books and equipment, travel, living, employment and salary while doing the course, and guaranteed employment once the course is completed.
Speaking at a press conference at the Health Ministry in Valletta, Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne said that the infrastructure of crisis management left behind by previous administration was over, referencing the ten year national health strategy from 2020-2030, which will be discussed with stakeholders throughout this year and will cover the entire health sector.
Fearne stressed this importance of bringing in more specialists to cater for the growing needs of the healthcare system.
There are also plans for similar funds to be made available to other specialists in the health care field.
Genetic counselling combines medical genetics and counselling to help people understand the genetic components of a disease. A counsellor can diagnose and provide support to patients, while also providing information to those who may develop a condition.
Orthoptists are health professionals who are trained to diagnose and treat ocular motility and problems related to vision, while optometrists deal with vision correction in adults.
The application process will be open to 10 August.