The Nationalist Party (PN) has urged the government to reopen the Rabat Health Centre without further delay, after it has remained closed for more than 16 months.
During a press conference held outside the facility, PN Shadow Minister for Primary Care and Mental Health Ian Vassallo and PN Shadow Minister for Health Stephen Spiteri denounced the prolonged closure as a clear sign of government incompetence in managing the primary healthcare sector.
Vassallo said that residents from Rabat, Mdina, Mtarfa, Dingli and nearby areas have been left without basic medical access since the closure. "It cannot be that a health centre remains shut for so long. In May 2024, we were told the works would be completed within two to three months. Then we were told it would open by the end of the year - and yet, here we are, a year later, and it's still closed," he said.
He explained that the centre had previously provided crucial services including doctors, nurses, physiotherapy and podiatry, but that patients are now forced to travel to Birkirkara or Mosta for care. "There are people who cannot find anyone to take them, and as a result they are missing treatments. This is unacceptable - people are suffering because of the government's failure to act. This centre must reopen today, not tomorrow," Vassallo said.
Stephen Spiteri, the PN's spokesperson for health, said that poor management of the primary care system is seriously affecting the entire national health service. "Anyone who visits a health centre today sees overcrowding and long waits. There must be proper investment in these facilities so that we can ensure a high level of care," he said.
Spiteri noted that many patients are turning to Mater Dei Hospital for conditions that should be treated within primary care. "Health centres should be open 24/7 and equipped to handle non-emergency cases, reducing pressure on Mater Dei," he added.
The PN's proposals for healthcare reform include ensuring all health centres are open and fully functional, introducing more innovation and diagnostic capacity within them, increasing investment in family doctors, and improving training for healthcare professionals entering the primary care sector.
Spiteri also announced a PN proposal for pensioners to be assigned a family doctor for free, ensuring continuity of care. "A family doctor who knows the patient's medical history can provide more effective treatment and help ease the burden on the healthcare system," he explained.
The Opposition further proposed the creation of a new health hub in northern Malta to serve areas such as St Paul's Bay, Mellieħa, Mosta and Naxxar, addressing the growing healthcare needs of Malta's expanding population.
Concluding the conference, Vassallo reaffirmed the PN's commitment to putting patients first. "The people deserve accessible, efficient and dignified healthcare. After a year and a half of waiting, this health centre must reopen immediately," he said.