The European Union has allocated €41.5 million for Malta's new Oncology Centre, currently being built alongside Mater Dei Hospital. The centre will cost €60m.

The funding follows a specific decision by the European Commission.

The money will be allocated through the European Regional Development (ERDF) Fund under the Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life programme.

Commissioner Johannes Hahn was in Malta last October for talks with Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi.

Commissioner for Regional Policy, Johannes Hahn said: "I am delighted to see that the green light has been given to this excellent facility, which will benefit the lives of so many of Malta's citizens. Figures show that cancer accounts for some 25 % of deaths in Malta and we must use EU investment to achieve concrete results and move in the right direction."

The so-called "major projects" whose total public funding is above EUR 50 million are subject to a specific decision by the European Commission (other types of projects are approved at the national or regional level). The ERDF will invest   €41.5 million in the Msida Oncology Centre – making up 85 % of the total cost of this project.

The centre will have 74 in-patient beds, including 16 for palliative care and 10 for children and adolescents.

Covering an area of 11,200 square metres, the centre will be developed in three phases and be connected to Mater Dei through a tunnel and a bridge. 

The centre will also have chemotherapy facilities, an outpatients' area, a Phlebotomy Unit for blood tests, administrative offices, a cafeteria and a plant room.