The EU's Cross Border Care directive is to be transposed to Maltese law in the near future, Health Minister Godfrey Farrugia told parliament during the Budget debate.

The purpose of the directive is to have standard and easier procedures to enable EU citizens to access medical services in other member states. (See also http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120418/local/eu-directive-on-patients-rights-in-cross-border-healthcare-being-adopted.416059 )

Speaking during the Budget debate, the minister said he had also asked the hospital authorities to bring forward some 4,000 hospital appointments which had been set for 2014 and 2015 in a situation which, he stressed, was unacceptable.

He said an Action Committee had been formed to improve the situation at the hospital's emergency department and to end the situation where patients were placed in corridors.

Dr Farrugia defended his decision to set up an office in the Emergency Department and said that personal contact with the people and first-hand understanding of problems did not come from having an office in the fourth floor at the hospital.

He said action was also being taken to improve the ambulance service.

In his speech the minister reiterated his ministry's priorities to revamp primary health care and community care as well as improve the procurement of medicines.

He also said resources were being sources for the provision of IVF services.

In his speech, Dr Farrugia said it was a shame that there had been criticism and lack of appreciation of the voluntary work in the health ministry by MP Marlene Farrugia (his wife).