The first wealth is health

The first wealth is health. These were the words of American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson in the 19th century. This statement should weigh heavily on anyone offering services within a healthcare system.

I have held these words close to heart since I became a member of Cabinet, especially after I was appointed Health Minister three years ago. Four years on, I am sharing this snapshot with you.

We have managed to secure the finest class of acute care services through Mater Dei Hospital. This hospital boomed from success to further success.

As a result, at times it finds itself under great pressures with accommodating all patients seeking help. Such pressures mainly stem from its fine reputation and the absolute trust the nation, as a whole, since it opened in 2007.

The rehabilitation sector has been extended and expanded and now more patients are using such health services since the number of beds has increased and the range of services in this field of practice has extended. The number of beds at RHKG (Rehabilitation Hospital Karin Grech), the national rehabilitation hospital, has increased to 153.

The primary health care sector has received much attention. Today, GPs are authorised to order investigations in the public sector for patients, seen at private clinics.

The launch of the Myhealth IT system permits members of the public and GPs, in the private sector, to gradually access all data and records of patients held within the public health services in an easy and timely fashion, at a private clinic or indeed their homes.

In similar vein, services in the community sector have broadened in both the range of services offered and also in the spectrum of members of the public reached.

The original community-based meals on wheels service and telecare services are nowadays complemented by the services of social care assistants who see to home and social needs of the individual, and also the services of a handyman.

A small community-based comprehensive health and social support services pilot project to residents in Msida is gradually being extended to residents across the country who are deemed to benefit from such help for a period of approximately six weeks.

This project reaches out to individuals who need this kind of help, helping them to climb a hill till they reach the destined plateau.

There are of course gaps which clearly still need to be addressed more effectively.

Addressing the sexual health of our nation continues to present a significant challenge. Incidences of sexually transmitted diseases are still rising. This worries us.

Obesity is also a major headache and indeed a heavy threat to the health of our nation. We are aware of this. However, we do not settle for the contention that we have failed in these challenges. We have in fact sought to address them both.

A sexual health strategy was developed through the contribution of all the stakeholders who are now collectively engaged in dealing with the situation more effectively.

The same can be said forobesity. A strategy endorsed by all stakeholders will be launched soon, and this will be a viable key to addressing the situation.

Can we say that we have sought to protect and enhance the health of the nation? Did we fulfil our obligation to boost the wealth of the nation?

I trust you agree with me, that indeed we did. But there is still much to do, and our continuous projects need to be completed and implemented. We now have to proceed on our way to consolidate our vision for the most precious wealth: health.

Dr Cassar is Minister of Health.