Passers-by gathered in Valletta’s Merchants Street yesterday as ambulances and fire engines rushed to a wrecked car in the middle of the road, swiftly launching into an emergency response.
The scenario may sound alarming but there was no cause for concern as it was simply a simulation exercise as part of the Health Ministry’s open day activities.
Hundreds of people flocked to the ministry for the occasion, and in the process obtained advice on how to lead a healthier life.
Health Minister Joe Cassar said he was pleasantly surprised to find people queuing up on the way to his office, waiting to check their blood pressure before kicking off the day.
The ‘European Health Interview Survey: Lifestyle 2008’, launched last Thursday, put Maltese men as the most obese in the EU – a statistic described as very worrying by the minister.
However, he took comfort in yesterday’s strong turnout, saying days like these showed the Maltese people had their health at heart.
Ministry rooms were packed with people waiting to have their blood pressure and sugar levels checked, and a ministry spokesman said some 900 registered to have these tests carried out.
On top of that, some 270 people checked their body mass index and 150 underwent glaucoma assessments.
Yesterday’s open day even offered classes on healthy eating, child development and ways to stop smoking.
A blood donation drive was ongoing inside and a breast screening examination was available for those who wanted a check-up.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Elderly Mario Galea said life expectancy in Malta was one of the highest worldwide – 77 for men and 82 for women.
Last year, he said, some 1,000 senior citizens were transferred from Mater Dei Hospital to Karin Grech Hospital.
Mr Galea also said local health services were so good that people were living longer, citing it as the reason behind the recent bed shortage problem at Mater Dei Hospital, which has made headlines since the turn of the new year.
“In the area of health, things have changed, with an increased focus on prevention,” Mr Galea said, encouraging people to live a healthy lifestyle.