Dalli tours Mater Dei, lists priorities
Social Policy Minister John Dalli toured Mater Dei Hospital this morning and said that the government’s priorities are to reduce waiting lists and improve community care so as to ease the pressure off hospitals.
Mr Dalli was accompanied by Joe Cassar, Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Mario Galea, parliamentary secretary for care of the elderly.
“We are not looking at temporary, stopgap solutions. The solution is providing more and better treatment and care within the community to alleviate the pressure on the hospital,” Mr Dalli said said.
Mr Dalli said the idea is to talk with all the parties involved in running the hospital, the administration and union employees to discuss the way forward.
“Starting from us politicians, to doctors, nurses and every employee, our main focus has to be the patient. We have to ensure patients who set foot in Mater Dei are provided the best possible service and treatment in the shortest time possible,” Mr Dalli said.
Asked if the present situation to continue providing free health care was sustainable, Mr Dalli said the government’s objective was clear; his job was to achieve this in a sustainable manner.
“When I do something I go in to improve; I don’t chew on what others have chewed, but try to find new ways,” he said.
“If we all organise ourselves properly we can reduce costs and become sustainable, but we need the cooperation of everyone.”
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A daley
Mar 28th 2008, 11:30
Not according to the EU nor the DOI, but according to Gonzi and 19 years of tax hikes the economy is very strong, on firm footings and the Maltese are now benefitting from good economic management through strong and firm hands at the helm! Just wait and see the figures and increase in taxes. Not N.I. turned into a bomb, but N.I. contributions turning into a Nuclear Bomb! Enjoy!
C.Taliana
Mar 20th 2008, 10:18
“If we all organise ourselves properly we can reduce costs and become sustainable, but we need the cooperation of everyone.” I think that this comment is just the initial phase of trying to inject the idea that sooner or later health fees are going to be introduced. Wait and see.
Mario Mercieca
Mar 18th 2008, 17:18
Please judge the PN (gonzi and Dalli in this case ) by what they do. Mr Fenech if you hold your breath from now till charges are introduced for health care, you have to wait at least five years untill there may be a MLP goverment. The you can release your breath and w8 for the 1.5 taxes per month and hope that none of them are for health care.
ALBERT FENECH
Mar 18th 2008, 17:04
Mr. Dalli, is it true that to run Mater Dei your Government (and hence your Ministry) needs to pump in AT LEAST 4 million euros per week (that is 208 million euros per annum)? If so, how is this flow to be funded? Your PM said that medical fees would only be charged "over his dead body" and that during his tenure he PROMISED that medical fees would NOT be introduced. So what next? Another tax? More VAT? Little wonder that one of your first inspections has been of the situation at Mater Dei. The electorate awaits with bated breath.
Jonathan Cassar
Mar 18th 2008, 15:58
As the baby-boomers are now over 60 years old....our health care system will not be sustainable. You cannot have "the best health care for free" One must choose, either the best or free. How to foot the increasing health care bill is the main question. With our political system there is no place for a sensible discussion!!!
A Abela
Mar 18th 2008, 15:21
Mr Dalli said how. Through a reduction in costs. He didn't mention any payments.
anthony cassar
Mar 18th 2008, 15:04
if it's unsustainable, as always, the middle class will pay.
Malcolm Buttigieg
Mar 18th 2008, 14:50
And if it becomes unsustainable, then what?