According to the Department of Health’s website, the Gżira health centre serves the residents in Msida, Ta’ Xbiex, Gżira, Sliema, Kappara, San Ġwann, Taż-Żwejt, St Julian’s, Swieqi, Ta’ l-Ibraġ, St Andrew’s, Pembroke, High Ridge and Victoria Gardens.

This comprises thousands of people, many of them having disabilities and over 60. The area is also a dense hive of tourist activity, some of whom also make frequent use of the centre.

I recently had the occasion of being treated at the centre for a number of weeks and cannot complain about the service given and the excellent human relations of doctors, nurses and carers. However, I found it very inconvenient that a lift does not exist to cater for those who suffer from mobility difficulties (being obviously the largest sector of those making use of the place).

I saw with my own eyes on several occasions people in such conditions struggling to climb the stairs leading to the various treatment clinics upstairs. As can be seen from the photo (above), the building is a large two-storey old house that used to be a primary school. Some of the more important clinics are in the top floor.

Is it not a great shame that, in this day and age, such inhuman conditions still exist in what it supposed to be a prime health centre and, more so, one run by the government? I urge the health authorities to find a solution to this important matter and to treat it with great urgency.