The Labour Party is planning to spend an additional €8 million on health centres to broaden the range of facilities they offer and provide a better service.
But party leader Joseph Muscat refused to commit to providing a 24-hour service at health centres, saying this had to be decided following consultation with professionals.
He said improved primary healthcare would alleviate pressure on the overcrowded Mater Dei Hospital.
Speaking outside Paola’s health centre surrounded by supporters, Dr Muscat said a Labour government would hold talks with the private sector to open a health centre in the Żurrieq-Kirkop area. Labour would also commit to cut waiting lists, with priority given to tests relating to detect cancer.
The breast-screening service, he said, would be extended to more women in different age brackets, and talks would be held on the possibility of screening for osteoporosis at the same time.
Dr Muscat said a Labour government would ensure the Mental Health Bill was enacted as soon as possible.
He said a pledge to deliver medicines to people over 70 years of age and those with mobility problems would cost the Government an extra €500,000 a year.
When the PL leader was asked about Labour’s pledge that the Government would fork out the necessary money to ensure those struck on hospital waiting lists had their operations, Dr Muscat said this did not necessarily mean sending patients to private hospitals.
He said it meant encouraging surgeons to use Mater Dei facilities when they would usually be at their private practice. That way, the operating facilities at the State hospital would not be underused.
A Labour government would be prepared to conduct a study to maximise healthcare resources and hold talks with NGOs involved in diabetes to see what infrastructure, even personal, is needed to address this matter.
Responding at a later press conference, Health Minister Joe Cassar criticised Dr Muscat for promising things that, he said, already existed.
“The Mental Health Act was passed by Parliament unanimously last December. It’s done and dusted, it’s law. Has Dr Muscat done his homework?”
Dr Cassar also said the Home Help programme already required dedicated carers to obtain medicines for their elderly patients.
This was something the PL has said it wants to offer to all people over 70, the immobile and severely disabled.
When asked who could sign up for the Home Help programme, the min-ister said entry was subject to assessment by a social worker, although he did not elaborate further.
According to a Government website, access to the Home Help programme is “at the discretion of the Allocation Board” and subject to a nominal fee.
Dr Cassar was also dismissive of PL osteoporosis screening plans, saying the PL announcement was most likely due to a “misinformed leak”.
“We’ve just wrapped up consultation on the issue and want to introduce UK osteoporosis guidelines, with family doctors responsible for referring patients for bone screening,” he said.