Urgent Appeal: Critical Blood Shortage Threatens Life-Saving Treatments

Jan 13 2024

Your prompt response to this appeal can potentially save lives!

In the wake of the current wave of illnesses, local hospitals are finding themselves facing a dire situation – a severe decline in blood donations has left the health system grappling with a significant shortage, particularly in Group O Positive blood, and alarmingly low stocks in general.

This crisis not only jeopardizes ongoing medical treatments but also poses a serious threat to surgeries scheduled at Mater Dei Hospital.

The situation demands immediate action, and we urgently appeal to healthy individuals to step forward and donate blood.

Your contribution can make a life-saving difference in these challenging times. The need is urgent, and time is of the essence.

Photo Source: Kirill Dratsevich / Charlie-Helen Robinson

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PN Leader Bernard Grech Announces Shadow Cabinet

Jan 13 2024

One week after Prime Minister Robert Abela reshuffled his cabinet, Nationalist Party leader Bernard Grech announced significant changes to his parliamentary team.

One of the most notable changes is the assignment of the health portfolio to Adrian Delia, the party’s former leader. Delia, recognised for his instrumental role in the party’s successful legal campaign to annul contracts privatizing state hospitals, will now lead the party’s health initiatives.

Darren Carabott, who previously managed local government and public administration briefs, has been elevated to a more prominent role as the PN’s home affairs spokesperson. This expanded responsibility aligns with Carabott’s chairmanship of the parliament’s influential Public Accounts Committee, showcasing the party’s emphasis on robust governance.

Several PN MPs will now be taking on entirely new portfolios. Graham Bencini, formerly responsible for sports and public broadcasting, now leads the finance portfolio, replacing Jerome Caruana Cilia, who has transitioned to shadowing the economy brief.

Ivan J Bartolo, the party’s former economy spokesperson, has shifted focus to employment issues and the creation of new economic sectors. Meanwhile, his counterpart, Ivan Bartolo, will retain his social housing portfolio and take on additional responsibilities for pensions.

Ryan Callus, previously the infrastructure spokesperson, now serves as the PN spokesperson for energy and research. Mark Anthony Sammut has moved to the transport portfolio, succeeding Adrian Delia.

The reshuffle also brings forward fresh faces into key roles. Rebekah Borg, formerly responsible for shadowing lands and consumer rights portfolios, is now the PN spokesperson for the environment. Eve Borg Bonello, retaining her climate change brief, will now also shadow the public cleansing portfolio.

PN figures such as David Agius, Karol Aquilina, Robert Cutajar, Mario de Marco, Alex Borg, Graziella Galea, Ian Vassallo, Toni Bezzina, and Julie Zahra maintain their roles, with Cutajar continuing his role of Parliamentary Group Whip.

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Serial Thief Arrested By Police After Multiple Snatch & Grabs

Jan 13 2024

The police have apprehended a 25-year-old resident of Bormla linked to a series of thefts, commonly known as ‘snatch & grab.’ The arrest unfolded moments after three victims, two women aged 45 and 80, and a 74-year-old man, reported falling prey to the suspect while strolling in Fgura.

Investigations revealed that the 45-year-old woman was using an ATM in Triq Hompesch on Thursday when the perpetrator approached, snatched her money, and fled towards Triq il-Karmelitani. Subsequently, the same individual targeted a 74-year-old man, stealing his bag, and then went on to snatch the 80-year-old woman’s phone.

Following extensive searches in the area, law enforcement located and apprehended the suspect on Friday evening in Triq il-Karmelitani.

The 25-year-old was being held in custody at the Police General Headquarters in Floriana, pending court proceedings scheduled for Saturday.

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Vodka is Malta’s Favourite Alcoholic Drink, Poll Says

Jan 13 2024

In a recent poll conducted by Malta Daily, the nation’s drink preferences have come to light, and it appears that Vodka has claimed the title of Malta’s favourite alcoholic beverage.

Shared on Malta Daily’s Instagram stories, the poll engaged the audience to choose their preferred drink, and the results were telling.

A significant 38% majority of respondents revealed their inclination towards Vodka, making it the top choice among Malta’s drinkers. Not far behind, Whiskey and beer both secured a solid 21% of the votes, showcasing the diversity of tastes in the Maltese community. Gin, known for its resurgence in popularity in recent years, secured a respectable 20% of the vote.

This poll not only sheds light on the preferences of Malta’s drinkers but also reflects the dynamic and varied choices within the country’s drinking culture.

Malta Daily’s interactive poll provided a fascinating glimpse into the drinking habits of the community, adding a touch of spirited excitement to the day.

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