This government has turned a problem into an opportunity- Joseph Muscat

Prime Miister and leader of the labour party Joseph Muscat kicked off the political activity in Luqa by thanking visitors for coming to the event in spite of the dismal weather conditions.

Referring to the health care system of the country, the prime minister said that the government had managed to turn a problematic situation into a great opportunity for growth. Muscat pointed out that when the current government cme to power two years ago, it had inherited three main problems it was committed to solving; out of stock medicines, neverending waiting lists and space issues.

"Thanks to a number of new initiatives, the government aged to drop the number of medicines out of stock from 180 every week to 5 per week. We are currently seeing a 3 week trend where there are no medicines out of stock and although we recognize this is ambitious, our aim is to keep this target in place," Muscat added to the sounds of clamorous cheers.

Muscat stressed that the government and health experts were prioritising certain operations such as cardiac operations and ophthalmology particularly cataract operations, where the waiting lists have "virtually disappeared". Mentioning orthopaedic operations, Muscat said that the government pledged to continue working to reduce waiting lists in this area.

"Another issue we have had to face is that of space," Muscat added. "Mater Dei, for all its technology, was smaller than St Luke's Hospital."

Muscat said that those having to be treated in corridors finally have beds rather than stretchers, but that the government was doing its best to solve this issue as soon as possible to better preserve patients’ dignity.

"The government will soon be announcing plans on how to increase space, as well as a new foreign investment that will attempt to solve the space issue."

Muscat explained that the Queen Mary University in the UK was in talks to open a medical school in Gozo.

This, he hoped would lead to more interest in the medical sector in Malta, and ultimately a reworking of Mater Dei hospital.

“This investment of an estimated €200 million will ensure private involvement and will also keep free healthcare at its core,” Muscat added.

Muscat added that projects would also lead to a complete reworking of Karin Grech Hospital, adding that he was very happy about the way the government was faring in the health sector.

Muscat also stressed that the government wholly believed in investment from the private sector.

"I believe that due to the size of our country, we can create unique opportunities for the people through public private partnerships. This country has never seen such a pro-business government," Muscat added.

According to Muscat, these partnerships have led to a strengthening of the economy and to some 200, 000 people being employed in the country  since the beginning of the legislature.

Regarding the opposition’s accusations of lack of transparency in its fuel-hedging agreements with Azeri state-owned company Socar, Muscat  said that the government would continue to make visits outside the country if it meant that the people’s best interests were being safe-guarded.

In an intervention MEP and former labour party leader Alfred Sant said that the government under Joseph Muscat deserved a landslide win in the upcoming elections.

“This party has remained a party of the people and workers, it empowers those who are on the lowest rungs of society and it has remained true to its roots,” Sant said as he received a standing ovation.