Health Minister Godfrey Farrugia became emotional and shed some tears this afternoon as he expressed his sadness at having had to give up his profession as a family doctor.
The minister was asked for his reaction at a press conference after the Prime Minister gave Parliamentary Secretary Franco Mercieca a limited waiver to continue ophthalmic operations.
He became emotional as he described the reaction of two children on being told that he would no longer be their doctor.
Dr Farrugia welcomed the waiver for Mr Mercieca , saying he gave valuable service to the ophthalmic department. He said it was important that he continued to operate in the interests of his patients and in order not to lose his licence.
Asked about himself, Dr Farrugia said giving up his practice after 27 years had been more difficult than starting his work as a minister because of the bonds he had built with his patients.