The Department of Health strongly denied reports by the Medical Association of Malta (MAM) that the health service in Malta was deteriorating.

In a statement, the department referred to MAM's reaction to the report on the health service offered in Malta, compared to that in other EU countries.

The department said that it would have been more appropriate if representatives of this sector, such as doctors, gave an extensive reply on every aspect raised in this report.

"It would be a good idea to reflect on the fact that there has been an increase in the number of doctors, professionals and newly-appointed consultants over the past few years," the department said.

Necessary arrangements had been made so that operations were carried out in the afternoons and at the end of the week, and to increase the number of operations performed.

It added that the department was obliged to consider the added value of technology and new treatments before introducing new medicines in the national health service and this consideration is done by consultation with specialists in the sector.

The problem of social cases at St Luke's hospital was also being addressed, so that over-crowding in various sections will be avoided.

With regard to MRSA, the department said it was carrying out various measures to control this antibiotic-resistant infection and intensive campaigns on personal hygiene were being held for staff.

The health ministry said that a draft law that would deal with a patient's right to information about their health and that the department expects full cooperation from MAM when this draft is made public.