“The work carried out by this and other non-profit organisations in Gozo shows that the voluntary sector here is alive,” she said.

The minister praised the organisation, saying that such donations help to soften the suffering of the sick and elderly in Gozo. She encouraged other organisations to follow in the footsteps of the Friends of the Sick and Elderly.

Mrs Debono added that since 1999, the government has invested more than Lm1.25 million to improve conditions at Gozo General Hospital.

Apart from this, the minister said that they are always seeking new ways to improve the quality of service being offered and to increase overall efficiency at the hospital.