To say the least, I am perplexed by Simon Busuttil and Claudio Grech on their suggestion that anyone could opt for private healthcare at public expense (May 13). As far as I know, patients going abroad do so as the treatment would not be available in Malta. Thus, whether one goes to a public or private clinic does not seem to fit into the equation.

I do not normally involve myself in politics, but surely the first mistake and cardinal sin was in the planning of Mater Dei Hospital, which planning failed on two aspects: it is too small compared to St Luke’s and no plans had been incorporated for any future expansion. This apart from the constant delays and increasing costs in its construction.

It is essential that a way is found for Mater Dei to be extended. Perhaps certain wards could be moved to a new section to be built over the outpatients’ clinic.

If what the PN suggests were to materialise, who will decide which patients can go to a private clinic? Is there not enough favouritism, which has been going on for untold years?

In my humble opinion, a reasonable and temporary way forward would be for the government to subsidise certain cases.

There should be a benchmark on all major medical problems and when the waiting list is too long, the patient could opt to go to a private clinic of his choice, having firstly obtained sanction from the authorities. The patient could then demand a refund of, say, 25 per cent of the expenses incurred.

This will not encourage anyone just to seek private care and jump the queue.

It will be cheaper for the government to subsidise certain instances.

Health is too delicate a subject to be subjected to any partisan politics.