Health Minister John Dalli recently confirmed that the government is planning to open more health centres in Malta and Gozo.
These health centres will be able to cater for emergencies and doctors will be able to perform minor interventions on the premises.
To date, health centres have offered very limited services hence the queues at Mater Dei Hospital.
The government is also considering introducing therapy and consultancy services in the patient's residence. Minister Dalli also confirmed that when the study on the effects of the pharmacy-of-your choice scheme is finalised, this service will be fine-tuned and extended to other towns and villages.
These measures are most welcome and the sooner they are introduced the better as they will undoubtedly reduce the workload and queues at Mater Dei.