Azzjoni Nazzjonali has proposed that everyone would be covered by an adequate health insurance policy paid for from NI contributions for healthcare.

“Every patient treated outside the national health service is money saved for the government and the taxpayer, while improving the viability of local private hospitals and clinics,” AN leader Josie Muscat said.

He said higher income earners should be required to buy their own private health insurance policy, the cost of which would be deducted from their tax expenses.

Those having the basic health insurance provided by the government would be able to top it up by contributing a minimal amount of money every year.

Dr Muscat, who set up St James Hospital, said patients would use their insurance cover to pay for medical services, meaning their bills would be sent to the insurance company.

Every intervention and medical service would be costed – as is done in private hospitals, he said.

He said AN was also proposing the setting up of an independent health authority to oversee all hospital and clinic standards.