It was also a very good opportunity for people to actually visit the ministry offices which were transformed into clinics. The turnout was very encouraging, if not surprising. This was not your average open day with freebies for all. This was an open invitation for the general public to check the state of their health and take action accordingly.
Participation was so strong that all clinics and check-ups were extended. The Primary Health Care Department doubled the number of doctors and nurses to cater for over 1,500 persons who opted to check their blood pressure and glucose levels. The Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Department registered 350 persons who opted to check their BMI (Body Mass Index) with the intention of controlling their weight. The glaucoma clinic extended its services by three hours, seeing a total of over 250 patients. Even the Breast Screening Department felt the need to start the breast examination session earlier and 50 women in total were examined.
The ministry is planning to keep the open day as a yearly event. However, the attendance and volume of people wanting to do check-ups has also sent us all a strong message that our citizens are very eager to take care of their health. Our services are available in all health centres but it seems that not everybody knows about them. In all of our eight health centres, the general public can walk in to check blood pressure, glucose and much more. Some tests need to be done by appointment but all check-ups are easily accessible within the area where we live and, obviously, are free of charge.
Ironically, just four days after the open day, I had the opportunity to visit works at Sir Paul Boffa Hospital and open our first Palliative Care Ward. Palliative care addresses the physical, medical, emotional, psychological and even spiritual needs of terminally ill patients (especially cancer patients). The staff working in this field do their utmost to make patients comfortable and serene as they face the final part of their journey on this earth. Support is also offered to all those close to the patients, particularly the family, in their long process of bereavement.
During my visit to Boffa Hospital, I once again found myself positively surprised at what good teamwork can do. This is a hospital which often gets unjust flack. Sweeping statements especially by politicians and articles by journalists blinded by sensationalism can only harm the patients and demotivate the staff. I don’t have enough words to praise and thank the staff at Boffa for their dedication and commitment towards the patients.
The newly opened Palliative Care Ward at Boffa has brought together the expertise of various professionals. The Foundation for Medical Services (FMS) handled the dramatic structural changes and the Malta Cancer Foundation (supported by Kayak for Cancer) have contributed through financial assistance which helped to buy new beds and equipment. Now the Palliative Ward is in the hands of the hospital management. Consultants, doctors, therapists, sociologists, nurses and even priests will give their all to make patients comfortable and tranquil.
The money being spent to refurbish Boffa is not a waste of money as some have insinuated. Even if all services will move to Mater Dei in a few years, I feel that the dignity and respect we are showing our cancer patients, families and staff is priceless.
I strongly appeal to all to take on preventive check-ups as part of a healthy lifestyle routine. Many visit their family doctor or health centre when they are ill and not when they are healthy and seek to prevent disease.
Dr Joe Cassar is Health Minister