Maria Sciberras (right), a pioneer in the fight against drug addiction in Malta, passed away on Thursday, aged 74.

Dr Sciberras, who organised services for drug dependants in Malta and Gozo, also helped set up the Detox Centre at St Luke’s Hospital.

“She was a force of nature, a very intelligent woman and always full of energy,” Mount Carmel Hospital’s head of psychiatry Anton Grech said, when contacted.

“Apart from her work in the drug rehabilitation sector, St Luke’s and Sir Paul Boffa hospitals, Dr Sciberras will also be remembered for her energy. Dr Sciberras, who was Dr Grech’s superior at the Detox Centre during his training, remained a “mother figure” throughout his career, supporting him and providing advice along the way. When news of her passing away broke yesterday, Caritas commended the late doctor’s work within the drug rehabilitation sector, especially her collaboration in setting up the Fondazzjoni għar-Riabilitazzjoni mid-Droga.

She was a force of nature, and very intelligent

The Nationalist Party also expressed its condolences in a statement, remembering Dr Sciberras for her work at Aġenzija Sedqa.

Dr Sciberras was named worker of the year in 1989. She was married to Raymond Sciberras, a doctor, and had a son and daughter.

She will be given a farewell today at St Catherine’s Parish Church in Żurrieq at 3pm.