European Health and Consumer Rights Commissioner John Dalli this morning made courtesy visits on the Prime Minister and Opposition leader Joseph Muscat.

The visits were the first since Mr Dalli was elected to the commission.

During the meetings Mr Dalli discussed the EU's recently-proposed 2020 strategy for economic and social growth.

The proposed strategy will be discussed at an EU heads of government meeting later this month.

The Labour Party said that the rights of patients and consumers had also been discussed.

PL leader Joseph Muscat said Malta needed to anticipate EU directives in the health and consumers section so that the people could enjoy the best possible services.

Referring to hospital waiting lists, Dr Muscat said Malta should ot wait for EU directives on patient mobility before seeking arrangements with the private sector aimed at reducing waiting lists for operations.

He also called for a culture change in Malta in order to to ensure that consumers' rights were always respected..