Recently appointed Health and Consumer Rights Commissioner John Dalli paid courtesy visits on Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Opposition Leader Joseph Muscat yesterday.

During both meetings, the former Social Policy Minister discussed the EU's recently proposed strategy for economic and social growth, which will be discussed at a heads of government meeting later this month.

The Labour Party said in a statement that Mr Dalli and Dr Muscat also discussed the rights of patients and consumers, with the latter pointing out that directives had to be anticipated locally so the public could enjoy the best possible services.

Referring to hospital waiting lists, Dr Muscat said the government should also wait for the directives on patient mobility before making any arrangement with the private sector.