Different ideas on health reform document welcomed - minister

The proposed health reform was only a consultation document and subject to change, health minister Joe Cassar said this afternoon.

Speaking during a visit to the new Pope John Paul II ward at St Vincent de Paul hospital, which cost around €9 million, Dr Cassar said the reform was discussed in cabinet recently. However, he did not divulge any details about what was said.

Asked about the criticism to the report, including by PN backbenchers, Dr Cassar said that it was healthy for people to have their own different ideas.

The only feedback from the Labour Party, he said, was from MP Anthony Zammit who said in Parliament that he agreed with the patient registration scheme.

Dr Cassar said he was not worried about the comments his backbencher colleague Jean Pierre Farrugia made about the scheme. The government would have to see how the consultation developed and it had taken Dr Farrugia’s opinion on board just as it did with all the other opinions expressed.

He referred to what his predecessor John Dalli had said when he launched the document – that it was a consultation document and that it was bound to change.

Consultation, Dr Cassar said, was still ongoing and the government would be taking on board whatever it could from the positive suggestions being made. Unfortunately, it was not always possible to include everything.

Asked when was the sexual health policy to be launched, his reply was “soon soon”.

Parliamentary Secretary Mario Galea said the new ward had 144 beds and it would be opened soon.

A number of energy saving measures had been included. These were expected to bring about a saving of around €66,000 a year.