Alliance for Mental Health welcomes government’s ruling out of privatisation of sector

The Alliance for Mental Health today welcomed the assurances of the Ministry for Health that it has ruled out any privatisation of the Mental Health Services at Mount Carmel Hospital and in any other facility for mental health services in Malta, as reported by The Malta Independent on Sunday.

A4MHis said it was pleased to note that a holistic approach is being adopted in the planning of a reform of this sector.

The Alliance encouraged all political parties to work together, irrespective of their political differences in other areas, in order to ensure that high quality medical, support and educational services can be provided to both clients and their carers in the mental health sector. Such collaboration would also contribute towards reducing the stigma surrounding mental health conditions.

A4MH said it stands willing to advise on any proposed holistic plan prior to its actual implementation.

A spokesperson for Health Minister Chris Fearn had told this newsroom that the ministry has ruled out any form of privatisation of medical and psychiatric services at Mount Carmel Hospital. The spokesperson added that the recently set up Board of Directors for Mental Health is currently discussing a holistic strategy for mental health in Malta, which will include the establishment of a new mental health facility, as well as the refurbishment of parts of Mount Carmel Hospital.