During his address at the Parliamentary Committee on Diabetes, Parliamentary Secretary for Health Chris Fearne reiterated this Government’s commitment at addressing the challenges brought about by diabetes.
Chris Fearne said that a new National Strategy aimed at assisting those who have this condition, whilst educating the general public is currently being developed. A number of consultation meetings with key stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations, professionals in the sector and patients will be held to discuss the current situation, the introduction of new and innovative treatments, rehabilitation and support services, psych-social issues related to this condition, prevention and education.
The document for consultation will be published on the 14th of of November; World Diabetes Day.
Chris Fearne said, “We are truly committed at addressing this condition which effects 10% of the Maltese population, who need the best possible service and care which we can provide, whilst noting that the current services offered by the public healthcare system require a substantial upgrade due to the lack of vision and investment, which this sector suffered from during the past 10 years.”
He added, “this government is working on a number of initiatives to provide a better service to those who have this condition, amongst which is the investment in new Fundus Camera at the Mosta and Floriana Health Centres, specialised training for doctors, the introduction of a post graduate diploma in Dietetics and the introduction of a diabetes registry in 2015.”
Chris Fearne concluded by stating that the national strategy is a step in the right direction to improve the quality of life of those who have this condition and their families, to strengthen the services offered to children and adolescent, to address the needs of vulnerable groups who have diabetes and to increase early diagnosis.