Health is an issue. It is an issue on the personal level, as in whether you are unhealthy or not. It is also an issue on a national level, as in what the state does or does not do to help our health, So, health will be an issue in the coming election.

I believe the issues surrounding health in our country are to be examined first from the viewpoint of what was promised five years ago by the Gonzi Government and what was, or not, delivered, and secondly by what is being offered now by the main political parties.

To my mind there really should be no issue. The Gonzi Government delivered Mater Dei and that’s about it. The waiting lists are still there – medical assistance is not being given within the desired time-frame. This on its own should be enough to point to the unhealthiness (couldn’t resist the play upon words) of the Gonzi Government.

Stocks

However, another major issue has now raised its head. We have discovered that a vast number of important medicines that should be available at Mater Dei are in fact now out of stock. Government requires that things are done the right way. I accept that it is impossible to achieve perfection, no matter how hard you try. However, there are a few basics that really should not be an election issue. One of these is the lack of medicines.

The issue of medicines has to be seen not only within the context of health but also in the context of various social implications. People who need medication have to buy it or else their health suffers. Many of the individuals who need medicines are pensioners. Most live on a basic pension. We all know that pensioners have been amongst the hardest hit by rocketing fuel costs and utility bills. To this problem they now have to face days, weeks and in some cases months of waiting and worrying about the provision of their medication. They will probably have to dip into what little money they have put aside to buy it. This is unfair and our elderly deserve better.

Of course it’s the government’s fault.

The government’s reactions have been mind-blowing. As usual, it’s not their fault. At least it’s not the Opposition’s fault either, this time! So whose fault is it? Somehow, as if by magic, no one is responsible. This is not true. This time, the fault lies fair and square with the government and the Minister concerned: first and foremost for giving us a state-of-the-art hospital which basically splutters along rather well but which has huge administrative issues.

Secondly, how can you allow a medicine to end up out of stock! Are any checks made? Where is the software that all businesses in Malta seem to have and use so easily? Is this a wastage issue or something worse? What about the human resources – why have they been so misused? The solution by the government: you buy the medicine and then the government will give you a refund of part of the cost. Are you serious, Mr Government! Also take note that there is no timeframe for the refunds, and we all know what a bad track record the government has when it comes to payments and sticking to timeframes.

And please, please, please do not ever bring up the excuse that we were worse with St Luke’s – I’ve heard it, which is why I repeat it. We deserve a proper explanation and solutions, not lame excuses!