From Mr J. Vella

Lately I was informed by mail that my pension had gone up by e2.72. So I naturally asked myself if this increase would keep me on the level as that of last year. And if not, whether it would improve my standard of living.

The first thing I considered was my old garaged car, a Fiat Regatta that I rarely use, as its road licence tax has increased considerably, the pretext being that it contaminates the air (that is what the authorities claim).

Now, I cannot afford to go anywhere with it, as petrol is too expensive for my pocket. I keep it ONLY for any emergency that all families come across from time to time, like when I needed to take a family member to hospital, where I saw foreigners being treated.

I wondered if this state of the art hospital is attracting non-resident patients. If so, who is paying? And how better off are we with their long waiting list? I need all the yearly total of e2.72 to cover the expense of consulting a medical specialist privately, as waiting to see him as an outpatient takes months. If one can afford to pay a private hospital, one can be on the operating table within days; otherwise it will take more months of waiting.

As one grows old, medicine is a must to relieve some of the pain that comes with age. Have the medicine prices been checked? I for one can say no, as the ones that I must use remain high.

I wonder if the authorities that be got the same increase this year that we common mortals are getting! If so, how are they making ends meet? Considering that they are the enlightened ones, their advice on how to handle things under these circumstances could be handy to us on the lower side of the spectrum.

May I wish you all a Happy New Year. I will be drinking fizzy water, as I cannot afford champagne.

Joseph Vella

ZEBBUG