The government will be taking the “necessary decisions” to solve the problem of overcrowding in Mater Dei, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat told party faithful yesterday in Ħamrun.
Referring to the problems plaguing the health sector, Dr Muscat said that, while Mater Dei was an excellent hospital, it was much smaller than St Luke’s had been and therefore did not address the problem of overcrowding already inherent in the former hospital.
“This government will take the necessary decisions so that, in the same way we solved the medicine shortage problem, we will be solving this one as well,” he said, stopping short of 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 has roamed the community, speaking to families and business and proving it truly grasped “the pulse of the nation”.
The government will be taking the necessary decisions
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 benefiting from a €5,000 “gift”. The government had put the minds of parents of disabled children at rest through community houses enabling them to live independently.
There were still issued to be addressed, Dr Muscat said, citing those who were still unemployed or facing precarious work conditions.
The social housing problem would also be tackled, after the previous administration left behind a stock of 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, also present. Dr Mallia received 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.