The government will be taking the “necessary decisions” to solve the problem of overcrowding in Mater Dei Hopital, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat told party faithful this evening in Ħamrun.

Referring to the problems plaguing the health sector, Dr Muscat said that Mater Dei was an excellent hospital but was much smaller than St Luke’s Hospital.

“There were people in corridors at St Luke’s let alone at Mater Dei. This government will take the necessary decision so that, in the same way as we solved the medicine shortage problem, we will solve this one as well,” he said, without elaborating.

Dr Muscat criticised the Nationalist Party for “locking itself up” and not reaching out to people, adding that for these past eight days, the Labour Party had been speaking to people within the community in the run-up to the local councils election. 

The sense of optimism was palpable, he said, adding that utility bills for businesses would be reduced by 25 per cent within two weeks.

The country was enjoying the lowest rate in unemployment, fuel prices were cheaper and first-time buyers were benefited from a €5,000 “gift” through a reduction on stamp duties, he said.

The government, he added, would be addressing the social housing problem, after the previous administration left a stock of just 20 social housing units to cater for some 3,000 applications.

The political activity was also addressed by Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela, who saluted his predecessor Manuel Mallia, who was present. Dr Mallia was given a standing ovation after Mr Abela thanked him for all his work, adding that as minister he understood the difficulties of such a role. 

He lauded Dr Mallia for kicking off the process that led to members of the disciplined forces being given the right to join a union, without the right to strike.