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In St. Vincent de Paul, where a new 300-bed hospital for intermediate care will be built, Prime Minister Robert Abela announced the issuance of the call for the development of this new hospital, which will be the first in our country when it comes to intermediate care. The Prime Minister described this tender as the first step in a broader vision that will lead to the introduction of a new aspect of healthcare that our country has never had before. Dr Abela pointed out that in 2024 a pilot project was started with 16 beds which was then expanded to 40 beds through the renovation of two wards in the Rużar Briffa complex in St. Vincent de Paul. He stressed that this pilot project was a success, as a result of which the Government is embarking on a project of one billion and three hundred million euros. He said that this investment is part of a series of investments being made in the health sector. "Today as a Government we invest around €1.7 billion per year in health, of which a third of a billion is for elderly care. All of this comprehensively is five times more than what the country was investing in 2012 under the previous administration," explained Dr Abela. The Prime Minister mentioned how, just last week, an MRI was introduced at St. Vincent's, allowing for more complex examinations with a high level of accuracy. He noted that apart from the infrastructural and technological investment, the Government continued to invest fully in workers, referring to the best financial package and conditions ever enjoyed by professionals in health and elderly care. Dr Abela stressed that the private sector is a strategic partner in continuing to provide a high level of care and protection to the elderly. He explained that there are currently 20 agreements with the private sector for the purchase of beds to provide the best possible care, while three state-owned homes are operated by the private sector. The Prime Minister added that all of this is an investment in the elderly that can remain sustainable thanks to a strong economy, which allows the Government to invest both in energy assistance and better agreements for workers, as well as in crucial sectors such as health and the care and protection of the elderly. [caption id="attachment_56782" align="alignleft" width="300"] Minister for Health and Active Ageing Jo Etienne Abela[/caption] Minister for Health and Active Ageing Jo Etienne Abela reiterated how just over two years ago the Government explored the new concept of intermediate care with a view to offering focused care to prevent deterioration in medical condition. “Today we are presenting a 300-bed project that will be the bridge between home care and acute hospital care for the elderly in Malta,” concluded Minister Jo Etienne Abela. Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing, Malcolm Paul Agius Galea explained that the Government has a clear and ambitious vision that places the elderly and their needs at the heart of its policy, including through the construction of this new hospital entirely dedicated to them. He said that this project is being designed with great care and on the standards of modern hospitals outside Malta. [caption id="attachment_56781" align="alignright" width="300"] Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing, Malcolm Paul Agius Galea[/caption] Parliamentary Secretary Agius Galea added that quality services are already being offered at St. Vincent de Paul, with intermediate care wards and specialist teams that help the elderly recover more quickly and return to normal life. He stated that all this is complementing the construction of this new Sir Temi Zammit hospital, within St. Vincent de Paul. Photos: DOI/OPM