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Maltese Hospital In Ghana Successfully Carries Out A Transplant

Nov 29 2024 Share

The Ghanaian HopeXchange Hospital in Kumasi, often referred to as the Maltese hospital – mostly due to the fact that it was built and financed through Maltese donations, has just successfully carried out a transplant.

An international kidney transplant team, along with the HopeXChange Medical personnel, managed to complete the very first kidney transplant at the hospital.

It took a medical team of 19 people comprised of anaesthesiologists, surgeons, a radiologist and theatre nurses 4 hours to successfully perform 2 concurrent operations, one on a donor and another on a recipient. Since the transplant was a first for HopeXChange, tensions were even higher than usual due to the complicated nature of the medical situation.

Similar operations are planned to take place in the coming days, as well as follow up meetings for a possible permanent transplant department at HopeXchange.

All of this wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of the Maltese population.

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Kirkop Welcomes Christmas with ‘Gigantic’ Festive Village

Kirkop Welcomes Christmas with ‘Gigantic’ Festive Village
Nov 29 2024 Share

This weekend, Kirkop will come alive with the festive spirit as the Christmas Village Gigantic opens its doors. Featuring over 65 exhibitors, the event will run on Saturday, 30th November, from 5 pm to 10 pm, and Sunday, 1st December, from 9 am to 5 pm, in the heart of the village.

Organised by the Kirkop Local Council with backing from the Parliamentary Secretariat for Local Government, the event was launched by Minister Owen Bonnici and Parliamentary Secretary Alison Zerafa Civelli. Minister Bonnici described the initiative as “a celebration of Maltese culture and traditions, offering an unforgettable festive experience for visitors.”

Zerafa Civelli noted that December will see 30 local councils hosting similar events to foster community spirit and preserve Christmas traditions through a government-backed cultural fund.

Highlights of the Gigantic Christmas Village include a unique Christmas tree made from milk cartons, food stalls featuring traditional treats, snowy streets, and plenty of activities for children.

Kirkop’s mayor, Matthew Agius Zammit, encouraged everyone to participate and enjoy the festive atmosphere responsibly. Gigantic promises a magical celebration for families, locals, and visitors alike, bringing the community together in true Christmas spirit.

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MPs vote in Favour of Assisted Dying Bill

MPs vote in Favour of Assisted Dying Bill
Nov 29 2024 Share

A historic vote in the House of Commons has advanced Labour MP Kim Leadbeater’s Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which seeks to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales. The bill, which allows terminally ill persons with six months or less to live to request medical aid to terminate their life, won 330 votes in support and 275 against it, for a 55-percent majority.

As a result, the bill will now be sent to committee for further scrutiny. MPs were given a free vote, which allowed them to make decisions based on their conscience rather than party affiliation.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves supported the plan, but Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood opposed it, citing concerns about pressure and a “slippery slope.”

The debate lasted five hours and featured impassioned speeches from MPs on both sides. Conservative Andrew Mitchell shared heartfelt anecdotes from constituents about loved ones dying in anguish, while Labour’s Diane Abbott cautioned that the plan might make vulnerable people feel burdened.

Ms. Leadbeater praised the proposal as providing “choice, autonomy, and dignity,” arguing that the existing system fails terminally sick people. The legislation will also be debated in the House of Lords before it is signed into law.

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Bill To Legalise Assisted Dying For Terminally Ill Being Debated In UK

Bill To Legalise Assisted Dying For Terminally Ill Being Debated In UK
Nov 29 2024 Share

A proposed bill to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill adults in England and Wales, the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, has been formally introduced in the House of Commons.

MPs will debate and vote on the bill on 29 November, though further legislative steps are required for it to become law.

The bill allows terminally ill individuals over 18 to receive medical assistance to end their own lives under strict conditions.

Eligibility requires the individual to reside in England or Wales, be registered with a GP for at least 12 months, have mental capacity, and face a prognosis of death within six months.

Two independent doctors must confirm the criteria are met, and the process must include multiple signed declarations, judicial approval, and safeguards against coercion.

Under the proposal, only the patient can administer the approved substance, with a doctor present throughout the process.

Doctors may choose not to participate, and any pressure to induce a declaration or action under coercion would be punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

The bill raises questions about cost, judicial procedures, and oversight. Similar legislation is being explored in Scotland, Jersey, and the Isle of Man, reflecting ongoing debate across the UK.

#MaltaDaily