Malta’s Health Minister, Jo Etienne Abela, has described the establishment of a Northern health hub as a “mathematical impossibility” in the short term, citing a critical shortage of human resources in the sector. This statement was made during a debate with PN spokesperson Adrian Delia on Xtra, aired on TVM. The minister emphasized that opening a Northern hub would require an additional 75 doctors, a number that is currently unattainable. Abela noted that even if the project were to begin immediately, it would take approximately four years for the benefits to materialize, and even then, there would be no guarantee of having sufficient medical staff.
The proposal for a Northern health hub was initially met with enthusiasm, with plans for a regional health center in Qawra, featuring an underground car park and public open space. However, the project faced significant backlash due to concerns over its environmental impact, particularly the potential loss of trees in the area. Despite revisions to the plans aimed at protecting several mature Ficus trees, the project has now been shelved indefinitely.
Abela’s statement highlights the significant challenges facing Malta’s healthcare system, particularly in terms of staffing and resource allocation. The minister’s admission that the Northern health hub is a “mathematical impossibility” in the short term underscores the need for a more nuanced and realistic approach to addressing the country’s healthcare needs. Instead, the government plans to focus on developing existing hospitals, including St. Luke’s, Karin Grech, and Gozo General Hospital, into larger, more comprehensive medical facilities.
