On 31st January the Minister for Health the Hon. Beatrice Lorenzin received her Maltese counterpart the Hon. Godfrey Farrugia during his visit to Rome. Throughout the cordial talks the ministers examined in depth the various aspects of intense collaboration between the two countries in the health sector. Moreover a joint declaration was signed allowing for further steps forward to be taken in this sector.
The declaration welcomes Malta’s hope that the existing agreements between Malta, Lombardy, Tuscany and Sicily will be extended to other Italian regions. This would strengthen cooperation in the field of healthcare, in particular with regards to the exchange of information. Moreover, in view of the inauguration of the new oncology centre at Mater Dei hospital at the end of this year, Italy will facilitate the access of the Maltese counterparts to specialised oncological treatment and provide for the training of specialised medical personnel.
Indeed the declaration represents a framework of reference which can lead to other interesting joint research projects in the future with possible funding from the European Union.
During his visit to Rome, the Hon. Farrugia met a delegation of the “Associazione Italiana Ospedalita’ Privata Giovani – AIOP Giovani” and highlighted the investment opportunities in the Maltese health sector. He also met a representative of the Tuscan Region in order to discuss the proposed strengthening of the existing memorandum of understanding.
