Nationalist Party leader Alex Borg on Tuesday has unveiled a series of major healthcare proposals, including the replacement of Mount Carmel Hospital with community-based mental health centres and the provision of free cancer medication, as part of what he said was a wider vision for reform ahead of an anticipated general election.

Speaking at a mass rally at the party's headquarters, he placed healthcare at the forefront of the PN's electoral platform, outlining a shift towards more accessible, modern and patient-centred services. Central to his proposals was a commitment that all medication for cancer patients would be provided free of charge, a measure he said would be implemented immediately upon taking office.

A key structural reform announced in the speech was the planned closure of Mount Carmel Hospital, to be replaced by a network of mental health services located within communities across Malta and Gozo. The PN leader argued that mental health care should no longer be concentrated in a single institution, but instead integrated into everyday life, making support more accessible and reducing stigma.

He emphasised that mental health challenges can affect anyone and that services must be brought closer to where people live. Under the proposed system, patients would be able to receive care within their localities, ensuring earlier intervention and continuous support. The move was presented as a fundamental change in how mental health is addressed nationally, prioritising dignity and inclusion.

Alongside this, the Nationalist leader outlined broader plans to strengthen the healthcare system through investment and reform. These include the construction of new hospitals in Malta and Gozo, the development of a new hospital in the north of Malta, and the expansion of existing facilities such as Mater Dei Hospital and the Paola hub. He said these measures would form part of an integrated network aimed at improving efficiency and reducing delays.

A central objective of the proposed reforms is to tackle long-standing issues with waiting times. Rather than simply reducing waiting lists, he pledged to eliminate excessive delays by ensuring that operations and treatments are carried out promptly. This, he said, would guarantee timely care for patients and improve overall outcomes.

He also spoke of plans for a new centre of excellence focused on prevention, rehabilitation and wellbeing. This facility would aim not only to treat illness but also to prevent it, reflecting a shift towards a more proactive healthcare model. Patients recovering from hospital treatment would be able to access rehabilitation services within this centre, supporting their return to normal life.

Healthcare workers were highlighted as a critical part of the system. The PN leader pledged to improve salaries and working conditions for doctors, nurses and other frontline professionals. The leader said a formal agreement would be introduced to ensure better pay and conditions, alongside greater respect for those working within the sector.

Digital transformation was another pillar of the PN's proposals. Plans include the introduction of a unified digital patient record system, allowing seamless access to medical information for both patients and healthcare providers. In addition, a "digital front door" would enable citizens to access services using their electronic identity, simplifying processes and improving efficiency across the system.

While healthcare formed the core of the speech, the leader also used the event to criticise the current administration's record on key national issues. He argued that problems such as traffic congestion, housing affordability and quality of life have persisted over the past four years despite repeated promises of improvement.

Young people were identified as particularly affected, with many still unable to afford their own homes. He said a future Nationalist government would focus on creating better opportunities for younger generations, including improved wages and living conditions.

The PN leader positioned his party as ready to govern, stating that it had been prepared for an election from the outset. He described the PN as a credible alternative, driven by determination to deliver change and address the country's challenges.

Throughout the speech, he repeatedly referred to the need for a "fresh start" for Malta and Gozo, saying this was the message he hears most often from the public. He stressed that this renewal would be based on concrete proposals rather than rhetoric, with healthcare reform playing a central role.

He committed to a positive approach focused on policies and solutions rather than personal attacks. He said the party would present a series of ambitious and practical proposals in the weeks ahead, aimed at guiding the country in a new direction.

The rally concluded with a call to voters to embrace change and participate in shaping the country's future. He appealed not only to long-time supporters but also to those considering voting for the Nationalist Party for the first time, promising an inclusive approach to governance.