The government has asked Mater Dei Hospital to look into the case of an 18-year-old who has been waiting three years for an operation to treat his scoliosis.
Born with spina bifida, Aaron Camilleri has had to undergo several operations but, three years ago, his physiotherapist suggested he is examined by a specialist because his condition was getting worse.
A visiting consultant confirmed that an operation was needed to treat his scoliosis.
Yet, for the next two years, tests and surgery itself kept being postponed until last October when Aaron and his father, Pierre, left for the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore for the much-awaited operation, his mother, Doreen, said.
On the day of the operation, however, the father was informed that the surgery could not take place because of Aaron’s high blood pressure.
The parents thought the young man could remain in England for some days until he was fit enough to undergo the surgery but they soon discovered that their return tickets had already been issued.
They were informed that the consultant would write to the Maltese health authorities explaining the situation but when, in the following weeks, they asked about the letter they were told it had not yet reached the hospital in Malta.
It was only two days before the consultant’s scheduled visit to the island that they were informed that the letter had arrived, Ms Camilleri said.
“It feels as if we’re going around in circles. A circle has no end and we are going around and around without being given an explanation.
“If the operation is too risky, they should let us know. We just want to know what’s going on because Aaron’s life is on hold and his health just keeps getting worse.”
The third of nine siblings, Aaron has had to put his tertiary education plans on hold as he waits for the much-needed surgery.
His scoliosis has worsened so much that sometimes he sleeps sitting down because he has difficulty breathing and, during the day, when he uses a wheelchair to move around, he has to tuck in his foot under his thigh to prop himself up.
“Aaron is a very independent man and he would like to do all that young people like him are doing. He has always been a fighter and he has kept his spirits up throughout.
“Doesn’t he deserve a chance like other people who need similar surgeries,” Ms Camilleri asked, questioning the bureaucracy that seemed to be delaying the surgery.
When contacted, a government spokesman said it was aware of the case and was taking it seriously.
“The government understands the sufferings of people waiting for an operation and the case raised by the parents of Aaron Camilleri is being taken seriously.
“The Health Parliamentary Secretariat has asked Mater Dei Hospital to look into the case,” a spokeswoman said.