Kuwait interested in sending patients to Malta

The Kuwaiti government is interested in sending a number of patients to receive treatment in Malta, the country's health minister, Abdullah Al-Taweel, said yesterday.

Speaking during a visit to Mater Dei Hospital yesterday morning, Dr Al-Taweel said a memorandum of understanding revolving around health issues is expected to be signed between the two countries in the coming weeks. This includes the possibility of sending cardiac and oncology Kuwaiti patients to Malta for treatment.

"What we have seen today is very impressive and that encourages us," he said following a tour around the hospital.

Discussions with the Maltese authorities also touched on the possibility of bringing Kuwaiti doctors to Malta for training and Maltese doctors flying over to the Gulf state to train the local doctors and carry out some surgical interventions.

The Kuwaiti minister said his country was considering the possibility of increasing the number of students it sends to study at Malta's medical school.

"The level of education is of a very high standard and the students are happy living here."

Social Policy Minister John Dalli, who accompanied Mr Al-Taweel on his visit to the hospital, expressed his belief that the visit has set the basis for a long-term relationship in health matters between Kuwait and Malta. The memorandum of understanding should give the two countries the opportunity to set out the details of specific areas in which they could cooperate.