Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1543996
4 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 20 MARCH 2026 NEWS New £1.2 million hyperbaric unit inaugurated at Gozo Hospital A €1.2 million hyperbaric unit capable of treating up to six patients at once has been in- stalled at Gozo General Hospi- tal, boosting emergency care for divers and expanding specialised medical services on the island. Funded through eco-contribu- tions paid by tourists, the new chamber replaces an outdated single-person unit that no longer met demand, particularly from Gozo's growing diving tourism sector. The upgraded facility allows multiple patients to un- dergo recompression treatment simultaneously, including those suffering from decompression sickness, while also supporting a wider range of hospital therapies such as wound care and treat- ment of certain infections. With a therapeutic range equiv- alent to depths of 50 metres and mixed gas capability, the unit en- ables advanced recompression protocols and accommodates a medical attendant, strengthen- ing the hospital's emergency re- sponse capacity. Gozo has developed into a major diving destination, with around 40 popular sites attract- ing international visitors, par- ticularly for technical and deep diving. The new facility is ex- pected to improve safety stand- ards for both visiting and local divers, while increasing the is- land's appeal as a year-round, higher-value tourism destina- tion. Speaking during a visit to the hospital and meetings with div- ing sector representatives, Dep- uty Prime Minister Ian Borg said the investment supports the gov- ernment's strategy to develop higher-value tourism niches un- der Malta Vision 2050, including diving tourism. He said the pro- ject enhances safety for divers while also improving healthcare services for Gozo residents. Health Minister Jo Etienne Ab- ela said the facility would benefit not only divers but also patients requiring hyperbaric oxygen therapy to aid recovery from wounds and infections, describ- ing it as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen medical services in Gozo. Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri said the new unit would rein- force Gozo's position as a diving destination by providing reas- surance that treatment can be delivered to multiple patients simultaneously, which he said is key to attracting more diving tourism. The project is part of a wider programme financed through tourist eco-contributions, ad- ministered by a committee that includes the Malta Tourism Au- thority and the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association. Other initiatives funded through the scheme include regeneration projects in tourism zones such as Buġibba Square. Foreign Minister Ian Borg, Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela and Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri were at the launch of the 1.2 million hyperbaric unit (Photo: DOI) Life Hack programme to expand to middle schools in and Gozo THE Life Hack programme will be rolled out to six middle schools across Malta and Gozo from the 2026/2027 scholastic year, doubling its current reach as part of a government expan- sion announced during a certif- icate ceremony for participating students. The initiative, which targets Year 7 and Year 8 students, will offer practical courses focused on digital wellbeing, financial liter- acy and creative thinking. Mod- ules include Connected Minds, MoneyWise, Creative Spark, and Take Action Through Pho- tos, aimed at equipping students with skills beyond the traditional classroom. Certificates awarded to the first cohort of students in the pilot phase are accredited as Level 3 Awards by the Directorate for Quality and Standards in Educa- tion, giving formal recognition to non-formal learning. Speaking at the event, Parlia- mentary Secretary Keith Azzo- pardi Tanti said the programme demonstrates how education can extend beyond the classroom to help students develop social and digital skills, adding that the government would continue in- vesting in initiatives that support innovation and personal develop- ment among young people. Chief executive of Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, Miriam Teuma, said the programme reflects the work of youth professionals delivering non-formal education and aligns with national youth and educa- tion policy. She added that feed- back from students and parents had been positive, indicating the programme's impact. The expansion forms part of measures outlined in Budget 2026 and is intended to further integrate non-formal learning into students' educational devel- opment while broadening access to skills-based training for young people. The initiative, which targets Year 7 and Year 8 students, will offer practical courses focused on digital wellbeing, financial literacy and creative thinking (Photo: DOI)