Free hospitalisation is really and truly a misnomer, as the service is essentially paid for by direct or indirect taxation. In most instances it is the people who pay the least tax who benefit most from the supposedly free service.

The health sector is no longer sustainable. The building of the new hospital has dug a big hole in the budget allocated to the health sector. The move to the new hospital has been continuously postponed, but hopefully will actually take place in the middle of next year.

Only very drastic measures can make ends meet. The government seems to abhor measures taken even by neighbouring countries within the EU whereby citizens who earn more than the minimum wage and those not covered by an insurance policy are requested to pay a percentage of the fees. This is maybe due to the unjust criticism by the PN, when in was opposition back in 1996, against the Labour government that introduced the 50 cents fee on medicines.

The introduction of fees for hospitalisation by the present government may evoke the mirth of the MLP as it would be an about turn, for which the Labour Party is renowned. However, the present situation can only lead to the health service being a millstone around the PN’s neck, similar to the case of the dockyard, which was eventually again paid off by taxpayer’s money.

History will undoubtedly repeat itself. In addition, if the system of no payment continues, the current abuse of procuring medicines and services that are not even required will escalate, and the price of medicines will continue to increase. Our medical staff will also undoubtedly be forced to seek pastures new abroad. The victims will only be the patients.

The only solution to this problem is to forget the vote, which is usually what drives politicians, and act now.

Lino Callus

Balzan