Be the first to comment!Alex Borg’s proposals to ease burden of Gozitan chemotherapy patients
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Opposition Spokesperson for Gozo Alex Borg, met this week with Dr Nick Refalo, Consultant Oncologist and Clinical Chairperson of the Department of Oncology and Haematology within the Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre.
Borg said that they discussed several themes, mainly how to alleviate the burden related to treatment through chemotherapy for Gozitan patients, adding that, “it would be good if we all worked together on them.”
He stressed that “this is a theme that I know affects many Gozitan families, the patients who go through it as well as their relatives and friends who we see every day on the ship leaving for Mater Dei to receive treatment in Malta.”
Alex Borg added that among the various proposals there is that:
1. A `reconstitution unit’ (specialised pharmacy for chemotherapy) is established in Gozo where the medicine for chemotherapy is prepared on our island – one of the reasons why Gozitan patients have to go to Malta at the moment.
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2. That as is already done abroad, where remote places that require medicines or blood bags are explored and innovative means of transport such as drones are studied so that the preparation can be done in Malta, but the administration of the chemotherapy is done in Gozo.
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3. An ambulatory service is established like we see in other services for the elderly. That the necessary professionals go to the patients’ homes and administer the chemotherapy in their homes.
The PN Spokesperson for Gozo Alex Borg pointed out that all these proposals require some investment and training.
He argued that “we all know but how much money was given to Steward and what did it give in return?”
Borg said that he sincerely hoped that some of these proposals will be implemented without delay.
He added that, “undoubtedly any support that is needed on this subject will always be given.”
Alex Borg stressed that “one does not stop giving thanks to workers in this sector for their work is not only beneficial, it also makes a difference and saves people’s lives.”
