The long-awaited national sexual health policy should be published soon, according to Health Parliamentary Secretary Joe Cassar, although he did not give any dates.

"The sexual health policy is very close to being given birth. We are waiting for the last budgetary issues, which will start off the new Genitourinary Clinic and a new outpatient system," he said yesterday.

The saga surrounding the policy has been going on for years and the third and latest version was withdrawn from the 2010 Budget. However, Social Policy Minister John Dalli had said he would see whether funds could be reapportioned within the ministry for this purpose.

The policy, which has been in gestation since 1999, needs about €1.5 million to be implemented.

Dr Cassar said the government had to make sure the necessary infrastructure was in place before publishing a document.

According to a secretariat spokesman, the government was looking for a place for the GU Clinic to be housed within Mater Dei Hospital. The clinic is operating from one room in Boffa Hospital but would now be separated from the oncology hospital that will be built on the grounds of the Tal-Qroqq hospital.