Physiotherapy services by the Multiple Sclerosis Society

Fr Joe Borg's comments on the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society (The Sunday Times, May 17) have disparaged the society's good reputation, were unjust and verged on libellous.

As a registered organisation (VO 0043), the society adheres to its policies and regulations that are in the public domain. The case mentioned by Fr Borg received the same just treatment as any other member of the society.

If Fr Borg checks his facts he would discover that the society receives no public funding, so the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Malta expects him to withdraw all his unfounded allegations.

Regarding the case mentioned by Fr Borg, the following are excerpts from a letter which the society sent to him on October 7, 2008:

"Our society subsidises physiotherapy services for members with multiple sclerosis. Previously, limited funds meant members waited six months before being able to access the society's subsidised services. With the new executive committee, the society's financial situation has flourished thanks to continuous fundraising events, and services increased.

"To date, no member with multiple sclerosis has been refused subsidised physiotherapy and we also subsidise psychotherapy and masseur services. The society started subsidising speech therapy services last November.

"Referring to the matter in question, when the president met this person about a year ago, she explained that, if diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the person could join the society and benefit from the subsidised services available.

"Last September the society's secretary was informed that a member with MS needed physiotherapy services. In accordance with established policies, subsidised physiotherapy was approved pending receipt of a medical certificate. The member's mother then requested a specific physiotherapist who had been recommended to the family. Our president assured the family that our physiotherapists are all excellently qualified to provide the required services and advised the member to confirm whether our services were required.

"Fr Borg, you insisted... that you will go to the Community Chest Fund and write on the newspaper about our society. We do hope that you keep in mind our 120 members who have MS, their carers and families who are all satisfied with the services our society provides. We all do this on a voluntary basis while juggling full time jobs, caring for our families and either have MS ourselves or care for a family member who does.

"The person in question was offered our services from day one."

This is a letter sent to Fr Borg in reply to his e-mail of April 27:

"The MS Society has nothing else to add to our letter dated October 7, 2008. We abide by our society's regulations and cannot break any of them to the detriment of any of our members.

"Please also note that we offered physiotherapy services according to our regulations, which do not allow members the choice of physiotherapist. Just imagine the chaos that would ensue at any emergency department or health clinic if all patients insisted on the right to choose his/her doctor or paramedic.

"To avoid such chaos, we divide our cases equally among the three physiotherapists currently providing their services to the society. Every member with MS is treated equally. The case of any reimbursement does not arise.

"We reserve the right to publish all correspondence should the necessity arise and to take further steps accordingly.

"This matter is closed."