We all need to visit our General Practitioner at some point. Whether it is for some condition or sudden ailment, our first instinct is to visit a specialised medical practitioner and ultimately, find relief knowing that our doctor will recommend some form of treatment that will soothe whatever it is we are experiencing. Aside from the obvious need to be seen by someone who is specialised in understanding your case, I believe many can relate to the sentiment that when you see a medical practitioner who empathises with you, understands your case and all of its intricacies, as a patient, you will automatically feel understood, more comfortable and free from prejudice.
This sentiment is exactly what is being practiced by the multidisciplinary team in attendance at the Gender Wellbeing Clinic in Paola. The clinic first opened its doors in 2018 in Mtarfa, a first for Malta as the service was introduced free of charge within the national health system. Since then, over 340 clients have used these services, a testament to just how important it was to establish specific healthcare services for the trans community. The relocation to new and more modern premises in Paola, further cements government’s commitment to deliver a high-level standard of care. The clinic assures that individualised care is guaranteed by the team of specialists, who are fully equipped with the necessary skills to assist patients. As I spoke with the clinic's dedicated staff earlier this week, I was reminded of their dedication in assisting clients and got to experience first-hand the hospitality clients receive throughout their time at the clinic. Coupled with the wide range of services offered by the clinic, clients can expect to feel welcomed and safe in the clinical setting and assured by the attending staff’s expertise and hospitality.
Additionally, as clearly outlined in our manifesto, in the upcoming months we will also be expanding this space to include a new LGBTIQ+ Community Centre, which will see a further expansion of services and as a result, tacitly strengthen the overall provision of services offered to the community.
As a Government, our mandate requires us to implement policies and legislative initiatives across the board and, more importantly, keep quality of life and equality as a top-of-the-board agenda. In the past decade, Malta has come a long way in maintaining a highly reputable ranking for its laws and frameworks that primarily protect LBGTIQ+ rights.
Yet, we will not stop there. This is because introducing legal reform that reflects societal needs is one thing, however, consistency and seeing that our policies reach their full effect is our primary goal.
The opening of the new premises for the Gender Wellbeing Clinic in Paola is a testament to the Labour Government’s promise in maintaining our commitment to protecting LGBTIQ+ Rights, but more importantly, seeing that equality is not just celebrated, but broadened to our daily lives as individuals, and this includes our healthcare. As a matter of fact, it was only a month ago that the discriminatory blood ban on persons of the male gender engaged in a same- sex sexual relationship was lifted. By doing this, we have not only halted the barriers that willing donors may come across but have echoed the Government’s collective belief that widening equality across the board is our key priority.
Rebecca Buttigieg is Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms and Equality