Opposition calls for cheaper medicines

Opposition health spokesman Michael Farrugia yesterday called for effective measures to bring down the cost of medicines. Prices in Malta were still six per cent higher than the European average, and one had to keep in mind that the average wage in Malta was considerably lower than in the EU, he said.

Dr Farrugia was speaking during the debate on a Bill to amend the Medicines Act in order to introduce various EU directives. The debate opened on Wednesday, when Dr Farrugia started his address.

Continuing yesterday, he referred to his comments on Wednesday on rainwater flooding in parts of Mater Dei Hospital. He said his call for an investigation had not been taken up, and he was now repeating it. Experts needed to assess what had happened and what would be done to prevent a repetition.

The Labour MP also observed that while it had initially been said that fewer ancillary staff would be required at Mater Dei, it now appeared that a bigger number, particularly runners between wards, would actually be needed because the new pneumatic system to carry medicines and samples across the hospital did not cover all sections and its use was very limited.

This was one of several problems which should have been seen to many weeks ago and not now, just three weeks before the new hospital was due to open. For example, the staff at the new hospital would hardly be enough to man half of the operating theatres.

Dr Farrugia asked what had become of plans to have a child care centre within the hospital. The centre was originally meant to have been within the hospital but was now being moved elsewhere, which did not make sense. The Oncology Department was supposed to have been at Mater Dei, but it would end up at Zammit Clapp. Would the projected cost of the hospital be reduced because of these changes? That was what logic dictated.

Furthermore, would the Health Department be responsible for the running of the hospital once it was commissioned, or would it be the Foundation for Medical Services?

Millions of liri had now been spent on the hospital. But would the people enjoy shorter waiting times for investigations and operations? And would there be any improvement in community services?

Dr Farrugia promised that a Labour government would give a higher priority to health services, improving services without charging fees.

Labour MP Silvio Parnis said the health service should continue to be provided free for everybody, but priority should be given to those who could not afford to pay.

He hoped the new hospital would open without any crucial mistakes. Taxpayers had spent millions on the new hospital and rightly expected a better service.

Health services should not be a political football, but it was worth recalling how the former Nationalist opposition had raised uproar when plans were laid on for a 50c fee on prescriptions, to discourage hoarding of medicines.

In its plan for health, due to be announced next month, Labour was also focusing on improving services for the elderly in collaboration with all stakeholders.

He hoped that the service whereby the elderly who were home-bound could get their medicine at home would be resumed.

Parliamentary Secretary Helen D'Amato said Mr Parnis needed to explain what he meant about having a free medical service with priority to those who could not afford to pay. Health services were currently free for everyone.

Interjecting, Dr Farrugia said health services would be free under Labour.

Mrs D'Amato said she was expecting an explanation from Mr Parnis. Was something brewing?

The parliamentary secretary said the government was working for excellence also in community services. The most recent example of this, but far from being the only one, was the new home for the elderly at Mellieha, which would be completed in a year's time. This would not be only a home for the elderly enjoying excellent hotel services, but also a home for people with disabilities. It would also offer physiotherapy and occupational therapy services, a clinic and a day centre for the elderly. And there would not be any new charges.

It was worth recalling that Labour had not seen a need for a home in Mellieha.

Another example of excellence in services was the modernisation of St Vincent de Paul Home. This home had been transformed like day from night and the process was continuing, as the modernisation of a 150-bed block showed.

The government was also building a new day centre for patients who suffered dementia and were currently cared for at home.

A 260-bed rehabilitation block would also be built on the grounds of St Vincent de Paul Home. Such services were currently given from Zammit Clapp Hospital, which was too small at 60 beds. As a result many patients continued to occupy beds at St Luke's. The aim would be to help them get back into the community.

Zammit Clapp Hospital would instead house the Oncology Department. This would signify another quantum leap from the limitations which lack of space at Boffa Hospital imposed. Cancer patients deserved the best treatment they could get.

The PN government would also sustain the existing community services which it had introduced, such as home help, telecare and meals on wheels. It would also continue to promote the opening of day care centres, where the most recent innovation was computer training for the elderly.

The Pharmacy Of Your Choice scheme would be yet another community service from which hundreds would benefit.

Referring to Mr Parnis's address, Mrs D'Amato said she too would condemn any hoarding of medicines given by the health service. Those who did not need to continue receiving medicines should simply speak up.

Other speakers will be reported tomorrow.