The two departments to introduce this promise of improved service are the Schedule V Office, which issues the yellow card for people entitled to free medicine and the Treatment Abroad Section, which sends people abroad for treatment.

As a result of the Quality Service Charter, the Schedule V office promises to issue the yellow card within 15 working days from receipt of the application. Any patient suffering from a condition which is listed under the fifth schedule of the Social Security Act can benefit from the services offered at this office. Around 38,000 people

currently benefit.

Hospitals director John Cachia explained that there is a lot of work involved in issuing the yellow card for patients and the office now promises to issue this card within 15 working days of application date.

Regarding the Treatment Abroad Section, Dr Cachia said there was also a great deal of work involved in sending people abroad for treatment. In 2003, a total of 240 people had been sent for treatment to a number of specialised hospitals in the United Kingdom, thanks to a bilateral agreement between both countries.

Health Minister Louis Deguara said the division was proud to adopt these Quality Service Charters with which it will improve the already good service given to patients at St Luke’s.