In a news conference another investment was announced in San Vincenzo de Paul where a new bone density machine was inaugurated, which will continue to improve the quality of life of the elderly. The inauguration was done by the Minister for Health and Active Aging Jo Etienne Abela and the Parliamentary Secretary for Active Aging Malcolm Paul Agius Galea.
It was explained how through this machine a bone density scan is performed to measure the mineral content in the person’s bones as well as providing information to doctors about a potential reduction in bone mass. This condition makes the bones more fragile leading to more fractures. The aim of this investment is to address the growing need for bone scans, where it is estimated that scans will be made for around 70 patients every week in San Vincenzo. Therefore this investment will lead to more efficient health care services.
Minister Jo Etienne Abela explained how this new service that will be provided through the new machine, will be complementing a number of other services that are provided in San Vincenzo where it will benefit not only the residents in Saint Vincent de Paul, but also elderly people living in nursing homes and those still living in the community. He stressed that through this investment they are not only preventing a person from being seriously injured, but they are also investing in the individual’s health and avoiding fractures or even serious operations that leave some kind of disability.
“This continues to show that as a government we are not only investing in equipment that complements the best technology available for medical professionals, but also that our elderly also benefit from this investment,” Minister Abela concluded.
Parliamentary Secretary Malcolm Paul Agius Galea spoke on the work that is being done with great commitment in the field of the elderly, so that the residents within San Vincenzo are given the best possible care in San Vincenzo itself as well as offering a service to those elderly people who form part of the community.
“Prevention should always be the first weapon in the field of health and therefore screening such as that of bone density is very important. If one realizes early on that supplements are needed to strengthen the bones, this can reduce the incidence of fractures – something that is very common in the elderly and that often carries with it other complications”, concluded the parliamentary secretary. .
