After being involved throughout my life in the General Workers Union, Politics, International Affairs and lifelong experience, I believe that politicians partaking different views, can arrive through different goals and roads in bettering the way of lives of their citizens. I hold dear a person who holds different political views to mine, but overall both have the main aim of bettering the way of life/conditions of our Islands and its citizens.

A Member of Parliament’s main objective is to promote, advise, suggest and also implement visionary suggestions of how to better the lives, conditions and general improvement of the population. This has to be done in an impartial way leaving political tribal antics out, as there is no need for them when promoting/suggesting a better way forward.

At least this is my belief after a lifelong experience in politics and at a mature age.

The Hon Ivan Bartolo M.P. Speech

A friend forwarded me an excellent speech made in Parliament by the Hon Ivan Bartolo M.P. on two specialised subjects. That of Fibromyalgia and Parkinson’s Disease. I truly enjoyed the way he projected these two subjects, their problems, sufferings, and finally the lack of any medical solutions till now in treating these illnesses.

Apparently only 10 hours training on these ailments is given to recruits in medical studies during all the of their medical courses.

Persons suffering these two illnesses are not classified as Disabled Persons, although they can apply for a Social Security or Sickness Benefit.

Mr Bartolo quoted that on the information he has, 900 people in the Maltese Islands suffer from Fibromyalgia, although he personally believes actual figures are much higher than those officially recorded.

I tend to agree, as the individual who passed me Mr Bartolo’s Parliamentary speech is in a group of over 1,800 people suffering from Fibromyalgia.

Parkinson’s disease worldwide has caused the death of over 230 thousand people. Let alone adding those who are currently suffering from Fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia affects mostly women, approximately 70%. I personally know of a young lady who enjoyed a good governmental job, she sadly has had to leave it as she has to spend most of the day in bed. The pain is simply unbearable.

Till now, as is quite rightly said, the “Medical World” is dealing with the unknown.

Also till now “No Helpers” are provided. Each individual has to tend to her/his own needs and medical expenses.

Expenses for these illnesses do require financial clout, which some may be able to finance whilst others in their majority cannot. Also as these effected find it hard to walk for distances, the authorities can provide a “Disability Card” Permit for any vehicle that they may use. This will cause Government no financial cost but would be extremely helpful for those who find it difficult to walk.

Acupuncture Treatment

Previously Chinese experts in acupuncture used to visit the General Hospital in Gozo. Unfortunately these visits have stopped, I don’t know why, but most probably due to the Covid-19 epidemic.

I ask if these visits can be resumed once again so that Gozitan patients needing these sort of treatments can once again start benefiting from them.

These visits need to be staggered so as not to have a full capacity of patients all treated and seen in an hour or two’s time limit. This would ensure that the correct treatments are given to each patient professionally and in a proper way.

Mr Bartolo Speech Ending

The Hon Bartolo, whom as I said made an excellent presentation on these subjects, at the end completely lost a good argument when he turned to political tributary which was completely out of context. Tribal politics and negativity tend to spoil the presentation of an excellent subject being put forward. Political frivolity does not make one a better politician, this will be made abundantly clear in later life.

Agreements from all politicians on valid subjects should find complete cooperation. This must be the way forward for all of our Parliamentarians and Parliament.

Lino DeBono,

Gozo