The Labour government is "once again copying and claiming" a proposal that was put forward by the Nationalist Party as its own, despite having initially criticised it, the PN said in a statement on Thursday.

The PN was reacting to news that the government is considering building a new regional health hub like there is in Paola in the north of the island - a proposal which the PN had included in the health section of its general election manifesto, but which the PL had sharply criticised.

"It appears that what Labour spent five weeks during the election campaign telling us was impossible, and fiercely criticising, has now suddenly become possible," the PN said in a statement.

"Not only that, but through Ian Borg's announcement in recent hours that the Government is considering plans for a regional health centre in the north of Malta based on the same model as the Paola Hub, he has completely disowned his predecessor," the party added.

The PN said that Ian Borg's predecessor as Minister for Health, Jo Etienne Abela, had categorically dismissed this possibility, describing it as something that was "mathematically impossible" due to the resources and staffing that such a hospital would require.

"It now appears, however, that the Government has once again changed its mind on a Northern Hub. What was deemed unacceptable before the election, and what Jo Etienne Abela said only a few months ago was not viable, has now become acceptable," the party said.

The PN said that it naturally welcomes the news that the Government is considering adopting a proposal included by the party in its electoral programme for the last general election.

It also welcomed Ian Borg's comments during his visit to the Ċensu Moran Regional Health Centre, where he said that hospitals in different regions of the country would create greater synergy between primary and secondary healthcare - precisely what the PN said it had argued when it unveiled its healthcare plan before the last election.

The PN says that as part of this vision for such a vital sector, the party had also proposed the creation of a National Health Park, bringing together the natural environment, prevention and rehabilitation, while promoting a healthier lifestyle that improves both physical and mental wellbeing.

The project was to form part of a national network of healthcare, primary care and community services close to people's homes, consisting of four hospitals and a National Health Park.

This network would ensure a fair distribution of services, reduce pressure on Mater Dei Hospital and improve access to care close to home, with a hospital in every region of the country.

The party said that this is not the first healthcare proposal Labour initially opposed simply because it had been put forward by the PN, only to later adopt it: Labour did the same with the plans announced during the election campaign for Karin Grech Hospital, St Luke's Hospital and Gozo General Hospital, as well as with free medicines for cancer treatment and outpatient chemotherapy.

The PN urged the Government to address overcrowding at Mater Dei Hospital - another proposal put forward by the PN during the election campaign to ensure the hospital can cope with growing demand, provide patients with a better service and give staff an appropriate working environment.

"In recent days, patients have once again been seen in hospital corridors as a result of the lack of planning and long-term vision in the health sector, which is placing excessive pressure on services for patients requiring secondary care. Thirteen years have passed, and Malta is still relying on one hospital to cope with the ever-growing demand for treatment and services. Population growth without proper planning is bringing Mater Dei Hospital to its knees, with healthcare workers operating continuously and under constant pressure, together with all the consequences this entails," the PN said.

The party said that overcrowded wards with inadequate space, patients being treated in environments that are often unsuitable, and the current overcrowding in the Labour Ward for women preparing to give birth are unacceptable. Equally unacceptable are the long waiting times at the Emergency Department and the months-long delays for outpatient appointments and operations. Those who cannot afford private healthcare are being left behind.

"Patients must receive treatment in a timely manner, particularly in urgent cases involving both physical and mental health. Malta urgently requires healthcare infrastructure capable of meeting the increase in demand, supported by a clear plan setting out the priorities needed to address these shortcomings without further delay," the PN concluded

The statement was signed by PN MP and Shadow Minister for Health Stephen Spiteri.