The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health, Ian Borg, said that the health-related proposals in Budget 2027 will invest in health services and elderly care services that give families peace of mind, among other areas to improve the national healthcare system.

In a press conference on the budget proposals tied to the health and active ageing sectors, Minister Borg and the Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing, Deo Debattista, the two officials said that this year's budget will give authorities' ongoing work a big boost in ensuring that patients receive the care they need in a timely manner and closer to them.

Besides making healthcare more accessible, Deputy Prime Minister Borg stated that the Maltese government will be investing in medical institutions across the country and within communities, as well as in medicines and in healthcare professionals.

"Our priority is to implement these measures, so that patients and their families feel the difference in their daily lives," Minister Borg said.

Budget 2027 also aims to raise hospital capacities, while investing in more care in the community and in providing "concrete support" for patients and the elderly.

The expansion of Mater Dei Hospital is one of the major investments in this programme. With this project looking to cost €120 million to complete, it will be Mater Dei Hospital's largest expansion since its inauguration.

This project, which began in August, will see the number of treatment spaces inside the hospital's Emergency Department double - from 35 to 70. It will also introduce improved facilities for paediatric emergencies and for hospital workers. Part of this project's plans is a 135-bed space dedicated for acute mental health care with a therapeutic garden alongside it.

Two regional centres and an additional investment in Mount Carmel Hospital are two other mental health related projects set to be completed in 2027.

In this Wednesday press conference, Minister Borg mentioned the plans to develop a new Medical Imaging Department at Mater Dei Hospital through a building of its own, as well as the planned investments at Gozo General Hospital that will include nine more outpatient clinics and the expansion of its operating theatres to allow for more Gozitans to receive treatment in Gozo itself.

The Minister for Health said that the investments at Gozo General Hospital will coincide with the new helipad there that was inaugurated just a few days ago. He also referenced the preparations being done towards the regeneration "masterplan" of St. Luke's Hospital and Karin Grech Hospital.

The officials noted that more medicines will be added to the Government Formulary and access to services will also improve as the government looks to continue building on the progress it has made. This includes bolstering the role of private family doctors as announced some months ago.

Borg added that from 2027 onwards, the government will begin covering the costs for any persons accompanying an adult patient sent for treatment abroad to reduce the financial burden to this side of healthcare for families.

Parliamentary Secretary Deo Debattista stressed that Budget 2027 will continue improving services for the elderly. For instance, he mentioned the strengthening of the Carer at Home scheme from €9,000 a year to €9,800 annually.

"We want our elderly to live with dignity, with independence, and with the support they deserve. That is why we are improving services in their homes and in the community, while increasing capacity and specialised care in residences," PS Debattista said.

Debattista added that to reduce the size of waiting lists in nursing homes, more beds will be placed at these locations. In addition, specialised facilities for people with dementia, and support for their families, will be strengthened, he said.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing said that investment in community care shall continue as a means of helping more elderly people to continue living in their homes independently, with the necessary assistance.

Both Borg and Debattista thanked all health and elderly care professionals and workers for their daily work during this press conference.