Over the past three years, a total of 15 community clinics have been opened or renovated around Malta and Gozo through funding from the National Development and Social Fund.
Information tabled in Parliament yesterday by Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne shows that works have been carried out in new or restored clinics in Pieta’, Gudja, Attard, Marsaxlokk, Sliema, Zabbar, Zejtun, Mellieha, Zebbug, Malta, Fgura, Ghaxaq, Kalkara, Xewkija, Valletta, and Santa Lucija. The total cost for these renovations has so far reached €480,000.
Funding for these renovations was secured in 2019 through a €10 million grant from NDSF.
Funding for these renovations was secured in 2019 through a €10 million grant from NDSF.
The newly restored clinics today offer a more holistic service focused on preventive care. Services include first aid, blood pressure and blood sugar tests, teleconsultation services and advice, podiatry service, speech language pathology, physiotherapy and blood tests.
This service is complimented by the patient’s electronic treatment system which enables health care professionals to get real-time updates and provide a better service.
More clinics in the coming months
The Deputy Prime Minister announced that work will shortly commence on 9 other community clinics. These include, Ta’ Giorni, Tarxien, Hamrun, Marsaskala, Gharghur, Birzebbugia, Ghasri, Ghansielem and Gharb.
Before the pandemic hit Malta, people used to go to the health centres to get a prescription for their free medicine under Schedule V. After the closure of the health centres due to COVID, pharmacists started dispensing medicine based on the patients’ last prescription, thanks to the PYOC electronic system. This meant less burden on patients as they do not need a new prescription each time.
The newly restored community clinics opened for the public in July and they now offer an extensive outreach program bringing primary care closer to patients.
