The occasional political squabbles over our national health service and the sometimes-petty criticism might divert attention from the achievements and the real challenges this vital sector faces today. Of course, such diversion would only be detrimental to the development of both the individual and the country as a whole. This is more so when the human person is in fact the only resource our country has to rely on.

In its endeavour to ensure that people’s health is a top priority, the government continues to invest heavily. Two clear examples come immediately to mind − Mater Dei and free medicines. This year’s investment in Mater Dei Hospital totals €212 million. According to 2011 figures, 3,761 persons are employed in the state-of-the-art hospital.

Free medicine costs the Treasury more than €70 million annually. These are spent on 1,334 different types after the addition of highly expensive medicine needed in the cure of cancer and dementia. As the number of chronic diseases that entitle patients to free supplies rose from 38 to 79, it is relevant to add that 124,215 people benefited from these reforms.

The introduction of Pharmacy-of-your-Choice (POYC) scheme means that 76,000 people can now collect their medicine from 159 pharmacies and save themselves the inconvenience that was caused previously when they had to visit one of the only five centres found in Malta and Gozo. The price of most medicines bought by individuals has been vastly reduced and compare favourably with those found in different EU Countries.

Primary Care

Primary care is offered in eight health centres and 42 government clinics that are well manned with medical officers. No less than 427,752 people were treated in 2011 apart from 12,555 visits made by doctors to different households.

The Health Department organises a number of campaigns to promote health and the prevention of diseases while emphasis is made on the need for exercise, the importance of a balanced diet, obesity and the ensuing dangers, information on sexual diseases, the dangers of excessive drinking and drug abuse. A number of educational programmes for students, teachers and parents are held regularly in schools and colleges. Since 2009, an agency within the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs initiated a scheme to encourage children to eat more fruit and vegetables through a regular supply of fruit that is obviously free.

Regular inspections are carried out in catering establishments to ensure that the food served conforms to the expected standards.

New hospital for cancer patients

One has to make a reference to the projected hospital for cancer treatment which is currently being constructed and which will accommodate 74 in-patient beds and 22 reserved for day-care. Boffa Hospital takes only 27 patients so this should be of considerable importance.

Additionally, one must also mention the investment made in mammograms and breast screening tests during the last years. In fact, between 2009 and 2011 around 15,000 tests were carried out and the 117 women who were tested positive received the right treatment immediately and were saved from developing serious complications.

More operations

In 2011, a total of 43,747 operations were carried out at Mater Dei. This means an increase of 1,952 operations compared to the previous year and an increase of 10,983 operations when compared to the last year in St Luke’s Hospital. Furthermore, last year’s figures for patients needing Out Patient treatment totalled 524,000. An average of 300 people is examined daily at the Emergency Department.

Of course, the carrying out of more operations also means a reduction in waiting lists. Nonetheless, one has to keep in mind that more efficiency and greater production in the Health Care Services also means higher incurred costs contrary to what happens in the industry. So, while expressing a sense of satisfaction we have to keep working hard in other sectors of the economy to keep free health care sustainable.

Government’s electoral promise

The present administration has not only kept the promise to deliver free health care but in addition also introduced new services and treatments to patients. On the contrary, one of the few concrete measures introduced by a Labour government between 1996 and 1998 was the introduction of a new tax on patients collecting medicinals.

Facts don’t lie, but if taken for granted history can repeat itself.