An fully-fledged operating theatre at Mater Dei Hospital, complete with equipment for the use in IVF process, is to be handed over to a reputable international operator under a Public-Private Partnership to offer IVF services, Health Minister Godfrey Farrugia told Parliament.
Services would be offered to Maltese patients free of charge, but services may also be offered to other private patients at a charge.
He said that the selected international operator was widely respected and would be an asset to Malta.
Dr Farrugia said the Government was expecting to complete 50 rounds of IVF this year and 250 next year, gradually increasing. The facilities at Mater Dei Hospital were being increased to provide comfort to the male partners, who, he said, had been somewhat overlooked. A multi-disciplinary team is being trained to provide quality service in all phases.
Dr Farrugia said that a Code of Practice, binding all health care professionals in the sector would be rolled out.
He said that particular attention was being taken to safeguard the freezing of gametes and also embryos.
Dr Farrugia said that it would have been simpler for Government to outsource the whole process but it felt that the sector was a delicate one and needed its guidance.
Turning to the process of IVF and the services being offered, Dr Farrugia said the oocytes and sperm would be boosted, prepared and the hatching assisted prior to implantation. The skills needed for this process require more that is presently available so the Government had to look beyond its shores.
During pregnancy and labour, the mother would require the normal gynae and obstetric services. After delivery, counselling would also be available. He said that BICA, an English agency which specialises in fertility counselling will be giving lectures to Maltese operators.
The criteria for IVF availability have already been established by law.
Dr Farrugia made it clear that IVF is available to stable heterosexual couples. Ideally the couple should be clearly identified as infertile through recognised conditions. Women under 40 with proven infertility would be able to avail themselves of three free cycles. Women between 40 and 42 years will be given up to two cycles for free.
A multi-disciplinary team will be available to guide and hand-hold the couple through this difficult time. Training was being given to this team to ensure optimal service.