Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1544871
IT is common knowledge that services at our main hospi- tal leave much to be desired. Regrettably, it is the patients themselves who bear the con- sequences of this reality, often to their own serious detriment. Paradoxically, the minister is not short of good ideas on how to remedy the situation or in- troduce new initiatives—these come in rapid succession. Yet the present crisis is not the result of tactical mishaps. It is the product of catastrophical- ly flawed and, at times, deeply dubious strategies. This pitiful situation has deep roots. It spans multiple legislatures and different gov- ernments. We need only recall how our current main hospital came to be. It was conceived as a poorly planned 400-bedded facility, with Mater Dei evolv- ing almost as an afterthought. It was only later that people recognised the hospital could not expand to meet growing needs, owing to faulty founda- tions—a structural failure that has haunted us ever since. Unmet needs have been en- dured for many years. Both the Labour government and the Nationalist Opposition have been acutely aware of this con- cerning situation for at least the past 15 years, yet mean- ingful, lasting reform has re- mained elusive. The most significant measure intended to address this defi- cit over the last decade—the Vitals-Steward arrangement— proved to be a monumental blunder. It was tainted to such a degree that many millions in taxpayers' money were lost, in plain sight, with little account- ability. Meanwhile, patients continued to suffer, even as medical and nursing staff gave, and continue to give, their very best under extraordinarily dif- ficult circumstances. Bad strategies carry long-last- ing consequences. They are not easily reversed or reme- died. Distressingly, our health- care system has endured far too many of them. It has been treated as little more than a commercial op- portunity by self-serving indi- viduals who viewed it not as a public service, but as a vehicle for private gain—people with no genuine understanding of healthcare, much like those who arrived under the Vitals guise. I must stress once again that this tragedy did not emerge overnight, and no single gov- ernment bears sole respon- sibility. It is a failure that has accumulated across adminis- trations, compounded by poor judgement, weak oversight, and, at times, wilful neglect. But the time has come for the people to step forward and protect their own inter- ests—indeed, to protect their very health and lives—by de- manding better and refusing to accept further compromise of our healthcare system. Let us not be deceived again by arrangements dressed up in corporate respectability, only to hollow out public services from within. Let us approach the future of our healthcare with the gravi- ty and seriousness it deserves. And let us ensure, once and for all, that it is never again sur- rendered to greed. 9 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 10 MAY 2026 OPINION Louis Buhagiar Medical consultant and chairman St Thomas Hospital Group Malta's healthcare crisis: A call to action Let us approach the future of our healthcare with the gravity and seriousness it deserves. And let us ensure, once and for all, that it is never again surrendered to greed Byron Camilleri Minister for home affairs, security and employment Towards a better quality of life MALTA has in recent years experienced strong econom- ic growth and today we have one of the strongest econo- mies in Europe. This led to the strengthening and creation of a new middle class, with greater career opportunities for young people, offering the best wages and working conditions. This did not happen by chance. It was the result of in- vestment and policies aimed at improving the lives of the Maltese and Gozitan people through concrete measures— increased stipends and pen- sions, free childcare, strong in- vestment in infrastructure and new public spaces. However, today we must look beyond these achievements and focus on what we will do to ensure that progress continues and leaves a deeper impact on people's lives. I am convinced that the La- bour Party remains the only party with a clear and ambi- tious vision for the future. Vi- sion 2050 is a vision of an am- bitious modern country that promotes sustainable and fair economic growth. This is why it was necessary to change the way we measure success. The economy must continue to grow, howev- er, traditional measures such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP) are not enough. We will introduce a Well-Being Index, which will transparently meas- ure quality of life. A key principle of this index is the balance between work and daily life. In an increasingly fast-paced society, it is crucial to value time with family and personal well-being. Measures such as extending maternity leave to 26 weeks, introduc- ing one month of paternity leave, and six months of gov- ernment-paid parental leave are concrete steps toward a more just and family-sensitive society. This is also essential to encourage more families to have children, building on the unprecedented tax reductions this government has already given to parents in the last budget. At the same time, we must continue to strengthen peo- ple's financial security. An- other increase in pensions of around €50 per week is a guar- antee of greater dignity for our elderly. For young people and those starting their careers or in- vesting in a new business, the proposal to exempt the first €30,000 from tax for the first three years will provide strong financial support. Together with a 15% increase in stipends, this sends a clear message that effort and talent should be re- warded. Moreover, we will continue to leave more money in people's pockets with a €1,000 bonus for every worker. This government will contin- ue to support those who wish to buy property. An inter- est-free government loan cov- ering 25% of the property value for first-time buyers will make a real difference. In addition, increasing the stamp duty ex- emption threshold to €300,000 and providing assistance to families who wish to expand or improve their homes are all steps to ensure that everyone has a decent roof to call their own. Because we believe in quality of life, we did not allow inter- national economic turbulence to overwhelm us. Instead, we ensured stability and peace of mind. This is the result of strategic decisions that must continue to be strengthened, including investment in elec- tricity distribution and the completion of projects such as the second interconnector. This will be further supported by plans to build a third inter- connector and offshore wind farms. The world of work is chang- ing rapidly, and therefore it is essential to invest in upskilling. The proposal to grant full-time workers study leave that gradu- ally increases up to 10 days per year is a step in this direction. Furthermore, the introduction of individual learning accounts, €500 per year for 10 years, pro- vides workers with incentives to continue training even after completing their formal ed- ucation. Reducing corporate tax from 35% to 25% will boost economic activity and create more quality jobs. Ultimately, all these measures have one central goal—an un- precedented improvement in quality of life. This means not only more wealth, but wealth distributed more fairly. It means a country where every individual has the opportunity to succeed, live with dignity, and enjoy a balanced life. Ultimately, all these measures have one central goal— an unprecedented improvement in quality of life. This means not only more wealth, but wealth distributed more fairly. It means a country where every individual has the opportunity to succeed, live with dignity, and enjoy a balanced life