Malta and Russia set up joint medicine and health care working groups

Malta and Russia sign Memorandum of Understanding for joint working groups on health care and medical science

Minister for Energy and Health Konrad Mizzi and the Minister for Health of the Russian Federation Veronika Skvortsova have signed a memorandum of understanding in the fields of healthcare and medical science, it was revealed.

“The signing of this MOU signifies the extension of the Maltese-Russian bilateral cooperation and further solidifies the excellent relationship between the two countries,” a government statement says.

The statement reveals that the joint working group will be set-up to implement collaborative initiatives into the development of Malta as a regional medical centre as well as a centre for technical support on certain specialities to improve patient outcomes.

“The MOU is aimed at providing Maltese and Russian practitioners the opportunity for knowledge transfer and experience in this field through training and other opportunities,” the statement explains adding that it focuses on widening cooperation on trauma and burns, orthopedic, cardiology, and medical rehabilitation.

“This Agreement provides the basis for a stronger cooperation in the health and medical fields and further strengthens Malta’s goal of establishing itself as a healthcare destination in the Mediterranean region with the development of various healthcare projects that are currently underway.”

Mizzi outlined the opportunities and developments of the Maltese health sector and referred to the investment that will result in world class free services for the Maltese patients while Skvortsova welcomed the cooperation between the two countries and outlined the opportunities and challenges of the Russian healthcare system.

“Russia is looking forward to cooperating on other projects, and I urge Russian Authorities to work on these initiatives,” she said, adding that Russian healthcare institutions are open to joint cooperation and exchange of knowledge and professionals between the two countries.

Mizzi was accompanied by Ambassador Carmel Brincat and CEO of Mater Dei Hospital Ivan Falzon during his visit to various centres of excellence in Moscow. Mizzi has also held discussions with the Chamber of Commerce & Industry of the Russian Federation and the Moscow Entrepreneurs Association, where the two parties discussed opportunities for further investment between the two countries.