The government is planning to allocate €12 million next year for a hub for persons with disabilities. The hub will include private residences for such people, a respite centre, commercial spaces, a day car centre, pool and underground parking. 

The finance minister said in the budget speech this evening that special focus will be placed next year on reducing the waiting list for hip and knee replacement surgery.

He said the problem of out of stock medicines had been practically solved while much headway had been made in the problem of waiting time at the Emergency Department.

A dedicated paediatric emergency service will be set up next year.

The minister reiterated the government's plans for the re-opening of St Luke's Hospital and the rebuilding of Gozo hospitals as  public-private partnerships and the revamp of Karin Grech Hospital.

Other projects in the pipeline include a call for private sector interest for the operation of a health centre in Kirkop. Major improvement at Mt Carmel Hospital is also planned, while work will continue at Mater Dei on a new block to offer 300 new beds.

A pilot project for the home delivery of medicines will also be launched next year.

The government is also planning to introduce a number of days of leave for prospective parents undergoing IVF treatment.

A new allowance will be introduced for amputees who have one missing limb. To date the allowance was only given to those who have two missing limbs.