Labour leader says solution to bed space is ‘better management’

In a meeting held between the Labour Party and trade union Forum, Opposition leader Joseph Muscat criticised government for its lack of planning and management in health sector.

"Government's lack of planning is clear. Today, four years after the €600 million Mater Dei Hospital started operating, government is spending money to buy a private hospital," Muscat said.

He added that even though Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi had paid Skanska €12 million to build an oncology hospital and a rehabilitation clinic, these were never built.

In parliament in 2010, Gonzi had said that the space then earmarked for an oncology centre in the new hospital had been given up for other services, and the oncology centre would now be outside the physical contours of Mater Dei.

"Jumping from one decision to another shows how government fails in its long-term planning. The solution is not simply increasing more beds but provide better management," Muscat said.

"A new Labour government would be committed to a free health system that is sustainable through long-term planning and better management."

Speaking on education, Muscat reiterated that if teachers don't hold ownership of the reform, these will be destined to fail. He added that a Labour government would reopen the consultation process with the Malta Union of Teachers.

On pension, Muscat reiterated that he was against increasing retirement age. He said that solutions already exist by which the country could guarantee adequate and sustainable pensions.