The Geriatric Medicine Society of Malta has been set up by a group of doctors with an interest in geriatric medicine. The society is committed to improving the health and well-being of older persons. It is a non-profit organisation for physicians working with, and dedicated to the provision of quality healthcare for older persons.

The society aims to provide leadership for professionals and aid efforts in developing, implementing and advocating programmes in patient care, research, professional education, public policy and public information for the Maltese Islands.

Geriatric medicine, as a specialty, has been established for the last 16 years, when the first consultant in geriatric medicine was appointed. The need for a society had been felt for a long time, and a meeting between the doctors working in geriatric medicine was held in September 2005 and a provisional committee was formed to develop a statute for the society and organise the first elections.

Elections for the five posts on the executive committee were held for the first time last March and now the committee is made up of Dr A. Fiorini, chairman; Dr R. Fiorentino, general secretary; Dr B. Farrugia, registrar, Dr M.A. Vassallo, PRO, and Dr C. Spiteri, treasurer.

The society has already been affiliated with the European Union Geriatric Medicine Society, EUGMS, and the European Union of Medical Specialists - Geriatric Medicine Section, UEMS-GMS, which are well positioned to promote the development of geriatrics in Europe.

Dr Vassallo has attended the full board meeting of the EUGMS in Geneva on August 25 during the fourth congress of the EUGMS. Dr Fiorini attended the UEMS-GMS board meeting held in Budapest on September 30. The society hopes that, through its work, the quality of life of the elderly will be improved in the coming years, when the 65+ age group will be around 25 per cent of the populaiton in 20 years' time (up from 13 per cent in 2005).

Doctors who would like more information about the society should write to the Geriatric Medicine Society of Malta, c/o Zammit Clapp Hospital, Consultants Office, Reggie Miller Street, Gzira, GZR 05; or by e-mail: mark-anthony.vassallo@gov.mt

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