Earlier this week, health minister Chris Fearne announced a plan to expand the number of health centres to cover all towns and villages in Malta and we’re all for it!

This initiative will see the addition of health centres in Mellieha, Marsaxlokk, Valletta, Birgu, Fgura, Santa Lucija, Hal Ghaxaq, Hal Tarxien, Hamrun and Kalkara, amongst others which are already close to completion. Spanning a period of three years, the government’s master plan also involves the refurbishment of several pre-existing facilities namely the Victoria and Gzira health centres.

Patient waiting lists at hospitals have been a major source of anxiety for years. The public has also long been expressing discontent due to the unbearable waiting times in emergency departments. The health ministry’s initiative will ease up pressure on both patients and care givers and is bound to have a positive effect on waiting times. Mental health and GU clinic services are also slowly being trickled down into health centres – a long-awaited addition.

Apart from pre-scheduled medical appointments, health centres can also be used for quick access to doctors in relation to minor and medium-intensity emergencies. Health centres generally cater for people from specific localities, but exceptions may be made depending on the severity of the issue.

What do you think of the government's latest investment?