The Nationalist Party have released a number of proposals to strengthen mental healthcare in Malta.

PN Spokesperson on the topic Mario Galea, in a press statement, urged government to stop abandoning the mental health sector, and start taking it seriously by truly addressing the problems at Mt Carmel Hospital.

The PN also called on government to continue expanding on mental health in the community. "Over the past six years, the government did not open a single clinic in the community for persons with mental health issues."

Galea called on government to again setup the crisis intervention team as there are indications that mental health problems are on the rise, as are suicides.

The MP said that 50% of youths with mental health problems start to show symptoms as early as 14-years-old. "This is why government must start screening early enough so that care can be given early, which results in far more success."

Galea called on government to employ more psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers occupational therapists and psychiatric nurses. He also called on government to create more supported housing for persons to be able to live within the community if they can, and not have to stay at Mt Carmel Hospital.

The MP also called for a new campaign against the stigma surrounding mental health. He also called for the new mental health hospital at Mater Dei Hospital to be built.