Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi yesterday criticised the Opposition Leader for trying to make the people believe that a Nationalist government was going to introduce payment for the health sector – a move he described as “hypocritical”.

Dr Gonzi, who was speaking during a family activity at Villa Arrigo, referred to a news conference on Wednesday during which Dr Sant presented a policy document drawn up in 2004 and accused the government of wanting to introduce fees for public health.

However, the Prime Minister described Dr Sant’s declarations as “a great hypocrisy”.

“The opposition has the cheek to accuse the Nationalists of aiming to charge for the health service when they had introduced a 50c fee in 1998.

“During the past four years we never introduced a payment system for public health care and we never will,” said Dr Gonzi.

Speaking about employment, the Prime Minister said that a Nationalist government will protect those workers who are being exploited and forced to register as self-employed.

“We know there are people who are suffering and we will address this issue so that no one will be able to use the present loopholes,” he said.

He pointed out that being a small island has its advantages as investors find less red tape and bureaucracy when compared to other, larger, countries and added that Malta’s EU membership and hardworking people are two main factors that attract foreign investment.

The Prime Minister also mentioned various incentives implemented by the Nationalist government to help women juggle their careers and families.

“In 2007, the highest percentage of gainfully employed women was registered.

“Even though this is very positive, a lot more needs to be done,” said Dr Gonzi.