John Dalli sets out his priorities - applauded at introduction
'There is no reason why poor people should suffer poor health'
John Dalli set out his priorities for health and consumer affairs when a few minutes ago he appeared before Members of the European Parliament at the opening of the hearing ahead of his appointment as EU Commissioner.
At the opening of an address before facing questioning, Mr Dalli spoke on his experience as Minister of Social Policy, a portfolio which he said had brought him closer to the people.
The people, he said, were at the core of his objectives.
Turning to the Maltese language, he said that his theme is "People first, Consumers first".
"I will be objective and independent as I tackle issues which I have seen. I will contribute my experience as someone who has always sought consensus," Mr Dalli said.
He said he wanted to see Europeans live longer and better through healthy eating and by having total access to the best medical care.
"My vision is of a well informed consumer who can take informed decisions on the products which are available and who can influence decisions taken in high places," Mr Dalli said.
"I am committed that consumers should enjoy the highest level of protection on food safety."
Mr Dalli also stressed the importance of sustainability of health services and affordability of medicines.
"There is no reasons why poor people should suffer poor health," Mr Dalli said to applause.
He said he would also tackle measures to counter the causes of hospitalisation, including drug and alcohol abuse.
In other sections of his speech he also spoke on the need for better patient information on medicines and measures to counter counterfeiting in the health sector.
Mr Dalli concluded his introduction to applause.
The hearing is being carried live on timesofmalta.com. See capsule above.