The Malta Federation of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (MFOPD) has welcomed the news of increased investment in the community-based mental health services, but raised concerns over “service mergers.”

The MFOPD noted that the Government’s allocation of €4.5 million in this year’s budget “is a positive step toward ensuring that individuals receive the support they need in an accessible and inclusive environment.”

However, MFOPD said it is “deeply concerned about the recent decision by health authorities to merge the Child Development Assessment Unit (CDAU) with the Child and Young People’s Services (CYPS) and to provide these services in a segregated setting.”

“Such a move risks undermining the principles of inclusion and accessibility that are fundamental to an equitable healthcare system,” said the MFOPD.

The organisation insisted that “it is essential that any restructuring of services aligns with a person-centred approach, ensuring that children and young people with disabilities receive the necessary support within an inclusive framework that promotes their participation in society.”

MFOPD urged the authorities to engage in “meaningful dialogue with stakeholders, including disability-focused NGOs, to ensure that policy decisions truly reflect the needs of the community.”

“We remain committed to advocating for a healthcare system that prioritises inclusion, dignity, and equal opportunities for all,” concluded the MFOPD.

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