A number of challenges in the healthcare sector, such as overcrowding and the waiting list at Mater Dei Hospital, including the issue of out of stock medicines, are being tackled and once the necessary assessments are concluded, a number of strategies will be implemented to find solutions, Energy and Health Minister Konrad Mizzi said this morning following a walk-about at the Vittoriosa market.

Dr Mizzi also lauded former health minister Godfrey Farrugia’s work, mainly referring to the decrease in the number of out of stock medicines.

“Both myself and Dr Fearne have found strong foundations thanks to Dr Farrugia’s work in the sector,” he said.

Asked why the government reversed its decision to join the community mental health services and Mt Carmel Hospital together once again, following its much criticised move back in September when the two were split, Dr Mizzi replied that the decision was a joint decision, his and Dr Fearne’s, after they consulted with unions and clinicians.

“It resulted that the best way to have a structure which works better is by having a unified one,” he said.

Initially, a PN-led government had joined the two together with the aim of having one mental health service under one roof but this strategy was dismantled last year.

On the MEP election campaign - Dr Mizzi's visit was part of the Labour Party's events in a build-up towards the election - Dr Mizzi said that there is “a positive vibe” out there, mainly referring to the reduction in energy tariffs which will inject 30 million euros in the economy and an additional 50 million euros once the energy tariffs are reduced for businesses in 2015.

He said that following the Easter break, the government has charged itself to continue working for the people, adding that now it is time for the people to give a chance to Labour to work for them in the EU as well.