Agreement Reached Between Health Ministry & MAM

Agreement Reached Between Health Ministry & MAM
Jan 31 2025 Share

Doctors have called off a planned strike on Friday after their union reached a last-minute agreement with the Health Ministry.

Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela announced the deal in a Facebook post on Thursday evening, stating that “common sense won for the sake of the ill.”

The Medical Union of Malta will present the provisional agreement to its members in the coming days.

The deal reportedly addresses several unresolved issues, including outsourcing Mater Dei patients to private hospitals, emergency department concerns, and staffing shortages at health centres.

Health Ministry sources confirmed the agreement followed a lengthy meeting on Thursday. The minister described it as a “victory” that would improve efficiency and reduce delays in healthcare services.

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Government Announces Reform Of Magisterial Inquiry Framework

Jan 31 2025 Share

The Maltese government has announced a reform of Magisterial Inquiries, introducing measures to enhance accountability, protect rights, and streamline legal processes.

The reform, presented by Prime Minister Robert Abela and Minister for Justice and Construction Sector Reform Jonathan Attard, seeks to prevent judicial abuse while ensuring effective investigations.

According to Prime Minister Abela, the reform aligns with the government’s commitment to improving the justice system.

Under the new system, cases involving crimes carrying a prison sentence of more than three years must first be referred to the police, who will have six months to investigate.

If progress is deemed insufficient, a citizen can request a judge to review the matter, at which point admissible evidence must be presented. The judge may then decide whether to continue the investigation, conclude it, or initiate a Magisterial Inquiry.

Changes also include extending the initial timeframe for Magisterial Inquiries from 60 days to six months, with the possibility of an extension up to two years.

Experts involved in inquiries must now be individuals rather than companies, and any inquiry exceeding €50,000 will require approval from the Chief Justice.

Additional rights will be granted to individuals under investigation, including legal assistance and access to case information, while victims and their families will gain statutory rights to monitor inquiry progress.

The Nationalist Party (PN) has criticised the reform, arguing that it restricts citizens’ rights to request inquiries.

PN Leader Bernard Grech has pledged to restore this right if elected, stating that past inquiries initiated by private citizens have exposed government corruption.

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Haley Bugeja Goal Highlighted By DAZN Women’s Football

Haley Bugeja Goal Highlighted By DAZN Women's Football
Jan 31 2025 Share

Maltese international Haley Bugeja had her goal for Inter highlighted by renowned sports media outlet DAZN Women’s Football.

Shared to over 95.6K followers on Instagram, the clip highlight the ‘Inter star’s’ ‘brilliant’ goal as she gave her team the lead away at Sassuolo.

The match saw Bugeja’s former team emerging victorious with two goals over Inter’s one, with Haley contributing to her team’s single goal in the very early stages of the match.

‘Gutted with the result but eager to bounce back’, she wrote on social media.

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Investment In Naxxar Reservoir Supporting 9 Localities

Investment In Naxxar Reservoir Supporting 9 Localities
Jan 30 2025 Share

Renovation works are underway at the Naxxar Reservoir, a key project aimed at strengthening Malta’s water infrastructure.

With a capacity of 24,185 m³, this medium-sized reservoir currently supplies potable water to Naxxar, Mosta, St. Paul’s Bay, Għargħur, Madliena, Ibraġġ, San Ġwann, Birkirkara, and Iklin. Once upgrades are complete, it will also serve Mellieħa.

The €3 million investment includes repairing leaks, replacing the roof and support columns, enlarging the exit pipework, and installing 600kWp solar panels on the roof.

These improvements will enhance efficiency, sustainability, and long-term reliability.

During a site visit, Energy Minister Miriam Dalli highlighted the project’s role in ensuring a secure and sustainable water supply.

“By modernising essential infrastructure like the Naxxar Reservoir, we are investing in a resilient and carbon-neutral future,” she stated.

Originally built in 1938, the reservoir’s renovation began last week and is set for completion by mid-March 2025. A retaining wall will be constructed to maintain network stability during the temporary decommissioning.

To minimise disruptions, a contingency plan will supply water directly from production lines, though some areas may experience lower pressure. Once operational, the upgraded reservoir will further reinforce Malta’s water supply system, ensuring improved service for surrounding communities.

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