The Medical Association of Malta said it appreciated that the Prime Minister and the Government have accepted responsibility for the unprecedented wave of power cuts, and said it supports the rapid investment in the infrastructure of electricity distribution.
On the other hand, the government must review and alter its approach towards the enormous increase in real estate development, the association said in a statement Saturday. All recognise that this development not only impacts the environment but is also resulting in the “uglification” of Malta, MAM said.
Despite the rise in supply, the rise in the price of property is still well out of reach of most citizens. The rampant development has led to push the current inadequate power distribution network into collapse during the heat wave. This has also resulted in a greatly increased demand for health services, MAM added.
MAM said it is disappointed that there seems to be no intention of investing in the health infrastructure despite this dramatic increase in the size of the population. Mater Dei Hospital utilizes daily all 6 makeshift wards. It is good to reflect that these added makeshift wards were only intended for use during major incidents. The failure of Vitals and Steward to deliver what was contractually promised would have rendered value to the payment of 400 million euros.
As a result, any surge in daily cases from any cause, including the present climatic crises, or physical disaster, can only be handled by a temporary suspension of elective services such as operations and outpatient appointments.
The people of Malta and Gozo deserve better and need urgent and extensive investment in hospital infrastructure, MAM said.