Social Policy Minister John Dalli will be leaving Malta with high credentials. The latest feather in his cap is the signing of a long overdue agreement with Italian Health Minister Ferrucio Fazio, enabling Maltese patients to receive treatment in Italy, if this is not available in Malta.

Quite rightly, Mr Dalli described the agreement "as a very important step forward". I regret the Maltese media did not give adequate coverage and information about this Italo-Maltese achievement. Patients can now go to Italy for emergency and high-intensive care, neoplastic and cardiovascular disease, organ donation and transplantation. In these and other sectors of healthcare, Italy boasts reputable institutes in health and advanced research.

For nearly three decades I have helped many Maltese patients who have come to the Istituto Sientifico Universitario San Raffaele in Milan. Last year, five Maltese patients came for major operations and care.

Others came with problems connected with infertility, many of whom are now happy parents.

It was very hard to accept these patients without payment as there was no agreement between Italy and Malta. However, they can testify that they underwent major operations, transplants, diagnostic exams with advanced medical equipment, and healthcare, on the facility of the Mutua - the Italian national healthcare. Often, as one of San Raffaele's directors, I found the necessary help to overcome bureaucracy.

The signing of the Italo-Maltese agreement has now given patients a choice between going to the UK or to Italy. The agreement also opens doors for young doctors who want to specialise. At San Raffaele, seven Maltese doctors have come to specialise in cardiology, nuclear medicine and surgery.

I think Maltese doctors and patients should be aware of the medical services in some institutes of excellence. Mr Dalli came with a delegation last October. He saw how advanced the service is at San Raffaele, Instituto Europeo Oncologico (where the famous oncologist Senator Umberto Veronesi works) and the Ospidale Reuniti of Bergamo.

There are also several reputable hospitals the Policlinico Gemelli of the Universita Sacro Cuore in Rome, the Vatican children's hospital Bambino Gesu and the orthopaedic hospital Rizzoli in Bologna.

I wish to suggest that the Ministry of Social Policy makes a list of Italian hospitals with their specialisations, where Maltese patients may receive professional and human treatment. On my part, as I have done in the past, I am available to give advice.

I think Mr Dalli's name in his short term as Minister of Social Policy will be remembered with gratitude for the Italo-Maltese agreement. This is an excellent beginning for his challenge in Europe.