We must ensure a health service that serves patients better and provides more incentives for doctors

We must ensure that public funds are used more wisely to deliver a health service that serves patients well, while keeping doctors and healthcare workers motivated without placing further pressure on them.

During a meeting with the Medical Association of Malta (MAM), the Leader of the Opposition and of the Partit Nazzjonalista Alex Borg said that years had been wasted and substantial sums spent on healthcare without translating into improvements for either patients or doctors.

He referred to the burnout experienced by a number of healthcare workers, as well as overcrowding in hospitals, which also means longer waits for patients.

The PN Leader said that the forthcoming Budget must invest more in healthcare, including medicines on the Government Formulary and cancer treatment. It must also provide sufficient incentives for doctors and healthcare workers to remain in the sector and stay in Malta.

He also highlighted the need for serious and urgent investment in mental healthcare, which is often discussed but is still not being given the priority it requires.

Members of the Medical Association spoke about the need for effective incentives to prevent the sector from continuing to lose professionals who are leaving for better opportunities abroad. They also highlighted the pressure on hospitals resulting from population growth and the lack of investment to ensure that services can meet demand. They further noted that the hospital’s IT system is not working as it should, as it has never been updated since Mater Dei opened.

Also present at the meeting were Shadow Minister for Finance Adrian Delia, Shadow Minister for Health Stephen Spiteri, and Shadow Minister for the Economy, Technology and Strategic Projects Darren Carabott.

The meeting, which forms part of the series of pre-Budget meetings, was held at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition in Valletta.

20.10.2026