The constant spin by the Labour Party to instil a sense of doubt on our country's health services is highly irresponsible. The government has never stated that any form of payment would be introduced in the health sector. On the contrary, we have always insisted that we should have free, quality healthcare for all. This is the priority of our government.
Over the past two years, patients have benefitted from a gradual increase in free medical tests and services. In the past 12 months, more patients have undergone medical examinations, a significant increase has taken place in the number operations carried out successfully, and more free medicines have been given to those who need them. Are there problems? Of course there are. Can they be solved? Yes, definitely, with the collaboration of all those involved in the healthcare sector as long as we have the courage to face the situations we have on our hands and tackle them.
So much has been said about the primary health care reform that we seem to have missed the point of departure, the very reason why this reform was proposed in the first place. A simple question: does the primary health care service in Malta need to be reformed? We all agree that the answer is Yes. By all stakeholders, patients, doctors, nurses and other professional healthcare workers.
Even the opposition agrees that change is necessary. Now that the consultation period is over, we are sifting through the several hundred suggestions and comments put forward to us during the process and actively considering how we can integrate them into the revised proposal. This is what makes a strong democracy. This government has shown several times that our style is consultative. Our track record speaks for itself. We propose a reform which is then discussed with all stakeholders and we take this feedback on board when returning to the drafting board.
In 2009, no less than 1,086,101 visits took place in health centres and local clinics, dispelling the myth that primary healthcare is being sidelined. Doctors conducted 610,103 visits to patients in health centres or house visits, a 30 per cent increase over the previous year. And house visits by night also increased by 24 per cent.
The government has chosen to invest heavily in Maltese doctors. As of last year, medical video conferencing has been introduced so that doctors can now listen to foreign lectures. The government launched a foundation training programme aimed at providing postgraduate studies to doctors in Malta. These initiatives have ensured that 80 per cent of newly graduated doctors remain in Malta. This year, 66 newly graduated doctors have applied for the foundation training programme, and 57 will start training in July.
By tackling primary healthcare we are dealing with the fundamental relationship between patient and doctor. The doctor knows everything about us, our history and that of our family.
I will not go into the details of the proposed reform but I will give an example of how this reform can work and is actually working already: In October 2009, the government inaugurated the National Breast Screening Centre, a €1.6 million investment. The centre is supported by a yearly allocation of €500,000 to sustain breast screening and treat breast cancer. To date, over 4,700 women between the age of 50 and 60 have received a personal invitation to attend a breast screening session - for free.
The response was very encouraging. Through the 50 per cent attendance, a total of 12 women have been diagnosed positively and are currently being treated by the Multidisciplinary Breast Cancer team. This not only means that 2,338 women have put their minds at rest, but also that we are in a very good position to save the lives of 12 women who would have otherwise been diagnosed with cancer much later.
Once a mammogram is taken, it is not only analysed by the team at the centre but it can also be seen digitally in real time at Mater Dei. The client's family doctor or specialist receives all the details electronically. This is the kind of health service we are aiming for: modern, efficient and personalised.
As a doctor I committed myself to assist my patients. As a politician my commitment is towards people who deserve free, good quality health services. I appeal to all those who have chosen to make health a political issue. Scaring away the most vulnerable from looking for help they direly need is simply immoral. We all need to work together to make the change this country really needs.
Dr Cassar is the Minister for Health.