Turning families’ dreams into reality through compassionate care and progressive reforms
Under the compassionate leadership of the Labour Government, Malta’s health sector has seen meaningful and lasting improvements that truly touch people’s lives. At the heart of this progress has been Chris Fearne, a dedicated doctor turned Minister for Health, who worked tirelessly, together with Prime Ministers Joseph Muscat and Robert Abela, to build a kinder, more accessible healthcare system that puts families and communities first.
One of the most touching achievements has been making the dream of parenthood a reality for so many couples. The Labour Government introduced free IVF services at Mater Dei Hospital and modernised the laws to reflect progressive European values. By September 2022, over 434 babies had been born thanks to these initiatives, with dozens more on the way. Additional medications were provided free of charge, removing heavy financial burdens and opening the door to joy for hundreds of Maltese and Gozitan families.
This is the Labour way, ensuring that no one is left behind when it comes to building a family. Waiting times, which once caused so much worry and frustration, were significantly reduced. Through smart reforms, expanded testing around the clock, and a clear focus on efficiency, patients could access operations and specialist care much faster. These practical steps showed the Labour Government’s determination to deliver care when and where it is needed most.
Paola Hub
Bringing healthcare closer to home has been another big success. Chris Fearne launched a dedicated three-year plan to strengthen primary care, with new and upgraded health centres appearing across Malta and Gozo, from Kirkop to Gżira and Birkirkara. A major €40 million regional health hub in Paola was initiated to serve as a modern medical centre for the south of Malta. Centres of Excellence in eye screening, speech therapy, podiatry and more were created, while electronic patient records and a 24/7 Telemedicine support centre made it easier for people to get help quickly and conveniently.
https://euprimarycare.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Primary-Health-Care-2023.pdf
These changes reflect Labour Government’s belief that quality care should be available in every community, not just in big hospitals.
Cancer care also advanced with real compassion. A new Oncology Centre at Mater Dei Hospital was developed, and a €3 million investment brought innovative treatments, including PD-1 inhibitors, into the national formulary. More life-saving medicines were made available free of charge, giving patients and their loved ones greater hope and support in their fight against the disease.
Mental health, so important yet often overlooked in the past, received genuine attention and increased funding. The Labour Government launched Malta’s first comprehensive Mental Health Strategy for 2020–2030 and began planning a modern acute psychiatric hospital on the Mater Dei campus. Prevention, early help and reducing stigma became key priorities, a clear sign of the government’s holistic approach to the wellbeing of every citizen.
Perhaps the greatest test came during the COVID-19 pandemic. With Chris Fearne’s steady and caring leadership, Malta achieved one of the fastest vaccination rollouts in Europe. The country managed to protect public health while avoiding the long, harsh lockdowns seen elsewhere, keeping families together and the economy moving as much as possible. Malta’s response earned international recognition from the World Health Organization, and in 2023 Fearne was elected President of the 76th World Health Assembly, the first Maltese to hold this prestigious role. It was a proud moment that highlighted the effectiveness and humanity of the Labour Government’s approach.
Supporting these improvements were important long-term steps: the first National Health Workforce Strategy to attract and retain excellent healthcare professionals, and the expansion of digital services like remote monitoring and telemedicine to make care more convenient and sustainable.
Throughout his years in office, Chris Fearne worked hand in hand with devoted doctors, nurses, midwives and all frontline staff. Backed by the progressive vision of the Labour Government, these efforts have resulted in better access to services, more free treatments, shorter waits in key areas, and a healthcare system that feels more responsive and caring.
The Labour Government has always believed that health is not just about hospitals and medicine, it is about giving every Maltese and Gozitan family peace of mind, hope for the future, and the support they deserve. The progress achieved under Chris Fearne’s responsibility as Minister for Health stands as a warm testament to that commitment.
These foundations will continue to help build a healthier, fairer and more united nation, because when Labour governs, people truly come first.
