Letters to the editor - July 9, 2026

MCCF funds to cancer patients

Sina Bugeja, chairperson, Malta Community Chest Fund writes:

The Malta Community Chest Fund (MCCF) refers to the article on Times of Malta (‘Robert Abela’s electoral promise to cancer patients’, July 7) wherein reference was made to the oncological treatment by the MCCF utilising the funds relayed annually to the MCCF for this specific purpose.

The MCCF is hereby clarifying a number of points raised.

The annual L-Istrina telethon raises funds for the Malta Community Chest Fund. Photo: Facebook

As from this year, a system has been introduced whereby the means test has been completely removed.

Therefore, requests made to the MCCF relating to cancer treatment are being accepted on full funding basis. This has reduced the bureaucracy and delays that may have previously existed.

The annual donation made by the government is to be utilised solely for cancer treatment and it is made so that patients may have access, through the MCCF, to treatment not available as part of the formulary.

Given that, if this treatment were to be included in the formulary it would be made available to all patients without the application of a means test.

Hence, from January 1, 2026, the decision was made that the MCCF provides this treatment without conducting a means test, thereby being available unconditionally to all who need it.

It is pertinent to note, however, that, apart from this medical assistance in relation to cancer, the MCCF also provides various other forms of assistance. This assistance is given from the funds collected from donors, from the activities it organises and from the generosity of the people throughout the year, reaching its culmination during L-Istrina event. For this type of assistance, the means test continues to be carried out.

Valletta Day

Mark Galea of Sliema writes:

As I have written before, I was very happy to hear the news of the enshrinement of Valletta as the country’s capital in the constitution. An interesting step forward might be to also dedicate a commemorative day to our capital city of Valletta. It could be the day when the first foundation stone of Valletta was laid, on March 28, 1566, a very important and historic day.

It was the beginning of a new chapter in Maltese history after the Great Siege.

This is an important day as it reminds us of the rebuilding and renewal of our country after a time of hardship.

Valletta was also an important witness to many episodes of Maltese history. Many key decisions have been made in our nation’s capital. So, it would be very interesting if our country has a commemorative day to remind us of our beloved capital city.

After all, Valletta was the heart of Malta’s development as a nation. Malta would not be as it is today were it not for Valletta and the natural harbours surrounding it.

Malta’s strategic position was enriched by the location of our beloved capital city and its harbours. Not to mention being the seat of power of our nation.

Perhaps having a day dedicated to our beloved Valletta might be considered.