The trust patients place in doctors is the most precious part of the profession, Parliamentary Secretary for Health Chris Fearne said during the presentation of warrants to graduate doctors.

"Around 30 years ago, I entered an operating theatre for the first time. Mr Swain was the surgeon conducting a rhinoplasty. They asked me who the most important person in the operating theatre was, and I first said it was the surgeon. They told me I was wrong and that it was the patient".

He expressed his wish to pass on this lesson to new doctors, and described this period as the most exciting for healthcare in Malta. "Barts Medical School and projects in St Luke's Hospital, Karen Grech Hospital and the Gozo General Hospital will create opportunities in this sector".

The ceremony took place yesterday at Palazzo Castellana, and 76 doctors and six dentists received their warrants.