Prime Minister Robert Abela on Wednesday inaugurated the modernisation of the Qormi Health Centre, which he said is a testament to how healthcare services continue to be brought closer to families.

With the modernization of health centres around the island, and the opening of community clinics across the country, government is revolutionizing the primary care sector, Abela said at the inauguration, accompanied by Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela.

The Qormi facility, will provide the general primary care services, but also, among other things, specific services for diabetic patients, which will be offered for the first time. The specialised centre will be providing multidisciplinary team care for persons with diabetes, and offering a personalised care plan on the same day.

Additionally, a new X-ray machine has been installed to provide faster results with clearer quality, alongside improvements in medical equipment, government said.

The Health Centre has also become more accessible with the installation of lifts and stairlifts, and a new, more efficient and secure control room. Workers will also have continuous training facilities.

Abela emphasized that this is what is achieved when government invests in stronger communities.

He said that with government investment in every sector, everyone’s needs are taken into account.

Abela noted how this government is investing and will continue to invest significantly in the healthcare sector.

During his visit to the Qormi Health Centre, workers expressed satisfaction with the fact that the €2.8 million investment made for this modernization will now be directed towards better care for the people.

Abela added that this sector has changed from one with a limited list of medicines on the government's formulary, to a transformation into state-of-the-art Health Centres close to home, which provide services that used to be only provided by Mater Dei Hospital.

He said that new Community Clinics across the country and new community-based mental health services are being provided.

Abela said that all of this is being done because the country is healthy and capable of sustaining investment.

He said that investing in people’s health means that the country can invest in the best equipment and tools for patients.

Abela said that the country continues to invest in professionals, from surgeons to nurses, which ensures a better service.

Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela, said that through the refurbishment carried out at the health centre in Qormi, they will now be offering no fewer than 23 top-level services for the people living in Qormi as well as the surrounding areas.

He explained how the Ministry is working and exploring new ways to further increase patient accessibility in communities in Malta and Gozo.

Abela said that thanks to this investment, government's commitment to achieving excellence is being shown, to ensure that all services in primary healthcare are of the highest standard and provide the best possible quality.

The modernization and improvement program in primary healthcare and community clinics are supported by a €10 million grant from the National Development Social Fund (NDSF).

Present at the inauguration were the Qormi Mayor Josef Masini Vento, and the Chief Executive Officer of Primary Healthcare Roseanne Camilleri.