Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/329964
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 15 JUNE 2014 News 7 MATTHEW VELLA MALTA has made no progress in improving its primary and commu- nity healthcare in a bid to cut costs in hospital care, the European Com- mission has said in a report released this week. Brussels's country-specific recom- mendations for Malta – a list of eco- nomic and structural reform policies – were published earlier this week, and with it a warning that Malta had to do more to ensure the sustainabil- ity of the healthcare system. "The authorities have made limited progress in ensuring the sustainabil- ity of the healthcare system. Even if healthcare expenditure in Malta is currently below the EU average, it has one of the highest projected in- creases in the EU in the long term," the EC said. In 2009, the Nationalist govern- ment issued a consultation document for a primary healthcare scheme that would serve as a 'gatekeeper tier' for GPs and GP practices to contain mi- nor health problems, and allow the Mater Dei general hospital to be used for more serious medical referrals. The reform also involved the digi- tisation of patients' medical histories across a network of registered GPs for ease of communication between hospitals and family doctors. According to an economic model presented by the Maltese govern- ment, 25% of cases seen in accident and emergency at Mater Dei, "are cases which should be seen in pri- mary care". The government says that should 25% of cases seen at A&E be shifted to primary care, estimated annual savings would be in the region of €2.5 million. However, in its country-specific recommendations, the European Commission says that no progress was registered in raising the cost-ef- fectiveness of the healthcare system. "The increasing costs have yet to be contained. Although the govern- ment has published a document pro- posing a health strategy, which ad- dresses many of the major challenges that the Maltese health system faces, there are no clear timeframes and financial estimates of the potential savings they might generate. Overall, the implementation of the healthcare reform has been slow." mvella@mediatoday.com.mt No progress registered in primary health reform, EU says CALL FOR APPLICATIONS SENIOR CLERK FOR THE ESF 3.113 SUPPORTED & SHELTERED EMPLOYMENT TRAINING FOR DISADVANTAGED GROUPS, INCLUDING REGISTERED DISABLED PERSONS REGISTERED DISABLED PERSONS The Employment and Training Corporation (ETC) is looking for a highly motivated individual who is committed to work with disadvantaged people, including persons with disability. The selected person will be employed as a senior clerk to assist in the administration of the ESF funded project ESF 3.113, on a definite contract basis. Applicants must be in possession of at least two 'A' Levels (grades from A to E), five 'O' Levels including Maltese, English and Mathematics (grades from A to C, or 1 to 5), full ECDL and three years experience at clerical level. The names of two referees should be submitted with the letter of application. Interested persons should send an application letter, together with a detailed CV, by registered mail or by hand to: The A/Department Manager People Management Employment and Training Corporation Head Office Ħal Far BBG 3000 Applicants must quote the code HR/02/14 in the application letter. Applications are to reach the Corporation by not later than Wednesday 25th June 2014. All applications will be acknowledged and will be treated in the strictest confidence. CV's sent by applicants will be kept by ETC for future reference. Those individuals who do not wish to have their CV kept by ETC should send a letter to the above address and will receive their CV back following the recruitment exercise. Operational Programme II - Cohesion Policy 2007-2013 Operational Programme II - Cohesion Policy 2007-2013 Operational Programme II - Cohesion Policy 2007-2013 Empowering People for More Jobs and a Better Quality of Life Empowering People for More Jobs and a Better Quality of Life The Project is part-nanced by the European Union The Project is part-nanced by the European Union European Social Fund (ESF) European Social Fund (ESF) Co-nancing rate: 85% EU Funds; 15% National Funds Investing in your future MPO Reference No: MPO98/2005/09 ETC Permit No: 87/2014 Shifting 25% of self-referrals at A&E at Mater Dei Hospital to primary healthcare would generate annual €2.5 million in costs savings – EU report Saving millions in healthcare The health ministry is aiming at savings of €7 million in 2020 on healthcare services for self-reported diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol and obesity ailments that could be handled by GPs. According to data presented in the country-specific recommendations, the government is aiming at reducing the prevalence of diabetes for those aged over 35 from 11.3% to 10% by 2020 – saving €714,594; Reducing prevalence of hypertension in those aged 15 and over from 22.8% to 19.8% by 2020 – savings of €1,425,635; Reducing prevalence of obesity to 18.3% and shifting 4% to overweight – savings €2,622,311.69; Reducing the proportion of those aged 15+ consuming cholesterol medication to 5.8% from 7.5% - savings of €2,220,443.