The Minister for Health, Jo Etienne Abela, has released upcoming plans regarding Maltese healthcare. Among the plans mentioned, is the goal to relocate any non-clinical service, which includes the University of Malta’s medical school, currently situated at Mater Dei Hospital to a ‘health village’. There are plans for the ‘health village’ to be developed in Gwardamangia.
This has led to the Malta Medical Students’ Association to release a statement, expressing their concerns. In this statement, it is highlighted that a new medical school was meant to be built by 2022 and that now being in 2024, the finish date of this project is still uncertain. MMSA further states that failing to develop the new medical school impacts the quality of the education given as well as the available space.
It is mentioned that the proximity to Mater Dei Hospital is beneficial for students as given that it is the “most established hospital on the island”, great teaching opportunities are available and allows students, lecturers, and healthcare workers to easily schedule necessary lectures and clinical rotations.
MMSA goes on to mention that turning healthcare into something private is also concerning, particularly in light of recent developments involving Vitals Global Healthcare and Steward Healthcare International. The association emphasizes the need for active involvement in the decision-making process to safeguard the interests of medical students and advocate for the maintenance of high-quality healthcare for patients.
MMSA has taken proactive steps by contacting the Minister, seeking a meeting to discuss these concerns and contribute to the decision-making dialogue, and is waiting for a response.