The 40^th anniversary of the UK–Malta bilateral health agreement was commemorated yesterday by President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca during a reception at the Malta High Commission in London.

President Coleiro Preca said the agreement gave hope to many Maltese people, it saved many lives and provided a better quality of life at a time when people were most vulnerable.

Around 15,000 Maltese patients benefited from this agreement since 1975, the President said.

She thanked the doctors, specialists and health care teams “that provide brilliant treatment and care in the UK to our dear Maltese patients”.

She noted that while treatment was being offered for free, patients travelling to the UK encountered difficulties such as funding travel for anyone accompanying them.

“I have seen first-hand the trauma these people go through, some travelling to the UK for the first time, some experience language barriers, the need for accommodation, sometimes over a long period of time, and others not being able to cope with the situation.

“Besides supporting patients going abroad for treatment, the Malta Community Chest Fund provides financial, material and professional support to people experiencing difficulties because of severe chronic illness, including cancer, as well as to persons with disability, people in poverty, unemployed or having no resources.

“It is through the spirit of solidarity that we can support patients and their families in their moment of need, President Coleiro Preca said.