“Our country has taken steps forward in the treatment of patients with heart disease but we must continue to support and invest not only in the medical infrastructure but also in the continuous training of professionals in the health field to take care of patients which require interventions from the Department of Cardiology.”
This was an important sentiment conveyed by Prime Minister Robert Abela when he addressed a conference organized by the Maltese Heart Society which brought together a number of professionals, including internationally renowned surgeons. At the opening of the conference, Prime Minister Abela noted the investment in a number of innovations in the Department of Cardiology which is in the interest of the common good through top level care for patients. He commented on how with the investment in the cardiology theatres, 3,400 patients received quality care. Dr. Abela also noted how last year 120 people underwent cardiological interventions in the heart valves without the need for a more invasive intervention in a vital organ in the human body. Other interventions at Mater Dei hospital meant that Maltese patients did not need to be sent abroad for treatment.
In this context, Prime Minister Abela defined the professionals in the field of health as a crucial and important link to save lives and thanked them for their work with such dedication. He said that the important role they play accompanied by the investment in more modern equipment that addresses complex situations has led to our country halving the death rate of people with heart disease.
The Prime Minister said that this does not mean that we should stop here as the prevalence of heart disease demands that it continue to be addressed. It was here that the Prime Minister pointed out in favor of continuous training of professionals, including nurses and health workers who work in the field and who are now enjoying better conditions and income after a historic collective agreement was signed.
“We continue to invest in what gives quality of life and which people and the community enjoy, not least in the field of health which is so important for everyone”, stressed Prime Minister Abela. The Prime Minister said that along with strategic decisions in this area there are others that are taken in a holistic spirit including investment in favor of more open spaces and educational campaigns against obesity which all contribute to the prevention of heart disease. He also ended by thanking the cardiologist Dr. Robert Xuereb who during his management of the Department of Cardiology continued to record successes in favor of patients.
