Prime Minister Robert Abela on Wednesday pledged that a new Labour government would make Hormone Replacement Therapy and medicines for endometriosis free as part of the government formulary.

Speaking at a campaign event organised by the Labour Party’s women’s branch in Floriana, Abela also said that there would be a crackdown on deepfakes and online abuse.

Abela said that the electoral campaign thus far is a continuation of how he has worked in the last few years, “with a little bit more intensity”, and he has enjoyed learning about the different realities of people.

Speaking about women’s health, Abela said that healthcare has traditionally failed to distinguish between men and women – but a new Labour government would launch the first Women’s Health Strategy in order to change this.

This would be complemented by a clinic which focuses specifically on women’s healthcare and by making Hormone Replacement Therapy and medicine for endometriosis part of the government formulary, meaning that it will be free.

HRT, which is used by many women to treat symptoms linked to menopause, would be made available by prescription.

He said that the party’s manifesto gives a lot of focus to time, and the creation of a “new freedom” by giving more free time to families. Here he referred to the party’s measures of increasing maternity leave, paternity leave, and parental leave, as examples.

In the economic sector, Abela said that the party had noted how many women were now leading small and medium-sized enterprises, and noted that they would benefit from the PL’s proposal to reduce corporate tax from 35% to 25% for smaller companies.

Self-employed women would also benefit from a reduction in their social security contribution rate from 15% to 10%, he said.

On safety, Abela said that digital violence, such as cyber bullying, cyber stalking, and revenge porn, is real and needs to be treated as a crime.

He said that the police would take on a proactive role to increase “online patrols” – much like a Community Police, but for the internet – and take action when it is necessary.

Abela also said that the use of video conferencing for victims in domestic violence would expand to cover not just serious cases, but also summary cases which are less serious in nature.

Abela noted that the government has already improved matters related to this topic with dedicated hubs with specialised workers there.  He said that there have been increases in domestic violence cases not because they are on the up, but because the system is working and people are feeling more empowered to report them.

Abela also spoke about the cultural sector, saying that the government would be expanding on the Carnival Village concept in Marsa to include a holistic facility for all those who count the arts and culture as their profession or passion.  A similar centre will be created in Gozo, he said.

The government will also offer assistance to artists on business-related topics, including in topics such as financial administration, advertising, and legal concepts so that they have the best opportunity to develop their talents.