¸£ÀûÔÚÏßÃâ·Ñ

Advanced Care Planning Strategy Launch Event

On Wednesday, 29 October 2025, the Minister for Health and Active Aging, Hon. Dr Jo-Etienne Abela, officially launched the Advanced Care Plan Strategy for older people and for those living with chronic diseases and cancer.

In his address, Dr Abela highlighted the importance of enabling individuals to express their healthcare wishes clearly, ensuring that professionals across different departments communicate effectively to honour those preferences. He emphasised that “it is time people express their wishes, and healthcare professionals know about these and communicate between various departments so that we would know where they wish to go.”

The Minister noted that this approach represents the way forward and affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to financially support the necessary training.

Dr Abela also extended his gratitude to the President Emeritus, Dr George Vella, a Family Doctor himself, and Prof. Pierre Mallia from the University's Department of Family Medicine, for leading this important initiative.

The meeting was also addressed by Hon. Dr Malcolm Paul Agius Galea, who reiterated his full support for the strategy, noting that similar initiatives had already begun at SVPR. He underscored three guiding questions that must shape healthcare decisions: What is clinically right? What is morally right? And what is legally right? These, he said, form the foundation of our conscience and decision-making, particularly when caring for older persons or those approaching end-of-life situations.

Prof. Mallia presented the Strategic Plan, developed in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Joseph Debono, and his administration. He noted that such discussions can be challenging but are essential, as healthcare professionals are in a unique position to listen to patients and understand their wishes.

Prof. Mallia explained that Advanced Care Planning (ACP) must operate within the framework of the law, ensuring that patients retain the right to revise their decisions at any time. He also outlined key components of the plan, including training, mentorship, and oversight structures, alongside the creation of public information leaflets and online resources to raise awareness among patients and their families.

The strategy, he emphasised, is rooted in the principles of dignity and respect. It encourages healthcare professionals to approach sensitive but meaningful conversations with empathy and confidence, recognising and responding appropriately to the cues patients may give when expressing their wishes about future care.