The Prime Minister Dr Lawrence Gonzi, today visited the construction site of a new oncology centre, which will eventually be linked with Mater Dei with a 104 bed capacity.

Dr Gonzi said that the project, which is due to be completed in a year’s time, will cost approximately €54 million, 85% of which will come from European funds.

He also announced that “any medicines that are out of stock from Government dispensaries, will be available from pharmacies free of charge, so with the Government covering the cost, it will mean no out-of-pocket costs for patients.”

The PN Party said today that “during the last 5 years a Nationalist government has invested heavily in the health sector whilst managing to cut the deficit. This leap in health care was only made possible because the country’s finances were kept on a sound footing.”

The PN said that it had a “secure track record in this field,” stating that “over the last legislature more operations than ever were performed at Mater Dei, waiting lists have been reduced, new procedures and treatments that previously were only available if one went abroad have been established.

“Additional free medicines, including 11 expensive cancer treatments have been introduced. Investment was also carried out in our regional health centers, new screening programs such as the breast cancer and colon cancer screening have helped saved more lives.”

“Major investment at the Gozo General Hospital has meant that much more Gozitan patients can receive their treatment in Gozo,” the PN said.

“A re-elected Nationalist Government is determined to continue building on its successes. Among other proposals, it will escalate the fight against cancer and diabetes by establishing new procedures and treatments; strengthen the free Pharmacy of Your Choice scheme and it will also open a new rehabilitation centre,” PN concluded.

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