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The Minister for Health and Active Ageing Jo Etienne Abela inaugurated an investment that marks an important step forward in the way they offer care to the youngest vulnerable patients in Malta, through the strengthening of the Neonatal and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (NPICU).
It was explained how this ward, which until now included 20 units, provides high dependency and intensive care for children from the earliest stages of their lives (including premature babies) to three-year-olds. Every year, the NPICU takes care of more than 400 little ones, a number that is gradually increasing. The majority of patients are newborns, many of them premature, and some weigh no more than 500 grams
Minister Jo Etienne Abela said that through this extension, they are seeing an increase of seven neonatal intensive care units, primarily targeted at premature babies. This investment amounts to approximately €400,000 and strengthens the country’s capacity to provide the highest level of care at critical moments. Dr Abela praised the dedicated team of doctors, nurses and midwives, who together with other professionals, work tirelessly with a high level of expertise to save fragile lives. He said that through modern equipment and together with advanced monitoring and ventilation systems, the team ensures world-class care.
“This development confirms the Government’s ongoing commitment to continue to evolve health services, become more resilient and focus on people, accessible services delivered with dignity and compassion for the patient”, reiterated Dr Abela. Minister Abela said that this section is designed with an emphasis on family-centered care. Parents are an integral part of the care process and are encouraged to be present and actively involved, because healing is also an emotional and human process. “Strengthening neonatal care is a national priority, because the health of children is the foundation of our future. Today, not only is an extension being opened, but our commitment to families, to health workers and to every child who deserves the best possible start in life is being renewed”, concluded Minister Abela.
