Active Ageing Minister Jo Etienne Abela has been granted permission from the Cabinet of Ministers to carry out a “limited number of operations” in the public health service for free.

In a statement, the government said that in order to reach its decision, the Cabinet heard from the public health service which referred to a number of serious health conditions where Abela’s skills and competence was required.

It was explained that the knowledge which Abela has in the subject is important to be shared with students and to give a guarantee that such services remain accessible in Malta.

The Cabinet evaluated the proposal in accordance with article 7.2 of the Ministerial Code of Ethics and agreed that Abela’s service as a surgeon is required for the national interest.

The authorisation given by Cabinet to Abela refers to a limited number of hours which are determined according to the medical exigencies of a situation, applies only to operations in the public health service, and will all be free.

Abela will not be assigned his own patients and he will assist other consultants.

The Cabinet office said that Abela had been asked to leave the room when the matter was being discussed.

It is not the first time that special dispensation has been granted on similar grounds to a member of Cabinet to continue working in the medical sector. 

Back in 2013, ophthalmologist Franco Mercieca was granted special permission to offer his services at Mater Dei Hospital and Gozo General Hospital.

He however ended up in hot water when it was found that beyond these services, he was still carrying out operations in the private sector and being paid for them.  Prime Minister Joseph Muscat had instructed Mercieca to cease from his operations in the private sector immediately soon after the news broke.