Prospective reshuffle does not worry health minister

Health minister Godfrey Farrugia is showing little anxiety over a prospective Cabinet reshuffle, after his stewardship of his ministry underwent considerable criticism in the first year of the Labour government.

"We didn't have any ground to work upon," Farrugia said when asked whether his performance so far had imperilled his job.

In response to a criticisms leveled at his ministry and his tenure as minister, Farrugia said he found shaky foundations upon which to enact reforms in the health sector.

"The health ministry inherited no groundwork and as a result, it has had to start from the beginning - all this in such a short span of time," the health minister said while inisting that the government is implementing a roadmap for years to come.

Unveiling the €560,000 refurbishment of the Rabat health centre, Godfrey Farrugia said the government is laying the groundwork for an "efficient" health service.

"With projects such as the refurbishment of health centres, the government is addressing the inherited inefficiency of the health system. It is unfair to judge the works of the health ministry when it inherited such faulty groundwork," he stressed.

"Despite the criticisms leveled at my ministry, I am not worried but nonetheless, the reshuffle of the ministry remains Joseph Muscat's prerogative," he added.

The health minister said the government is committed to provide a "continuous, comprehensive and holistic" health service centred around the patient.

"Refurbishments of the Rabat, Paola, Mosta and Floriana health clinics are expected to increase synergy between hospitals and polyclinics.

"The health centres have to support hospitals, not the other way round. We want to see people make use of polyclinics rather than using the general hospital for minor ailments."

The Rabat health centre will now be offering a wide array of services including diabetes control, a nurse call system, data network, speech therapy as well as pediatric and pedology services.

He said the new health centres would complement regional clinics in Mosta, Floriana and Paola and that health records were now being digitised for their transfer between clinics.

"The ministry is implementing job planning amongst doctors so that various diseases can be catered at community level. The concept of a one stop shop is a priority where patients will be seen, have their blood result immediately and be given treatment advice at the same place."

"The primary concern is the patient. These measures ensure that there is greater efficiency, and that free health care services are good."

The minister also announced the introduction of the anti-coagulant clinic where doctors take the patients' blood and have their blood results immediately.

"Currently, the patients' blood is taken and then sent to Mater Dei Hospital before being sent my post. This is a far cry from the proposed leap in service, and this measure will reduce bureaucracy for the good of the patient."

A new digital X-ray machine will be provided for both the Floriana and Paola clinics while equipment to screen for diabetic retinopathy will also be purchased by EU funds.

Moreover, the minister announced the introduction of a chronic disease clinic, anti coagulant clinic and a Lifestyle clinic.