Minister for Senior sitizens and Active Ageing Michael Farrugia said that the government is committed to working on a number of projects which aim to prepare Malta for the needs of the elderly.

Minister Farrugia continued his new committments in the field of the elderly by visiting the St. Vincent de Paul Long-Term Care Facility.

He met with the facility's Chief Executive Josianne Cutajar, who gave an account of the series of ongoing projects. At the end of the meeting, Minister Farrugia visited the various projects under construction, which when completed, will be equipped with the latest technology, while original buildings including the chapel are being restored and conserved in order to preserve their original state in the best possible way.

Minister Farrugia also visited 'Faċilità Narċis', which will be a long-term care centre for younger people who for various reasons are to this day, still receiving treatment in the same facility with the elderly.

Cutajar explained that this centre will provide a level of qualitiy for these people and the services offered will continue to ensure that same level of care.

Minister Farrugia expressed his satisfaction at the work being done on these projects which, he said, will continue to raise the quality of life for the elderly. He spoke on work fo a new digital imaging department.

He recalled that in this particular area, the government spent €165 million in this sector, and the next year a record investement of €199 million will be made, of which €45 million will be allocated for the purchase of beds in private residential homes.

Farrugia added that this is being done as part of the strategy to fully address the reality of an older population, a reality that is seeing an increase in demand for residential services.