€3.2 Million Investment Transforms Fertility Clinic At Mater Dei Hospital
“No one should be denied the opportunity to start a family due to financial or bureaucratic barriers.” This was the message from Minister for Health and Active Ageing, Jo Etienne Abela, during the inauguration of a major €3.2 million refurbishment project at the ART (Assisted Reproductive Therapy) Clinic within Mater Dei Hospital.
The ART Clinic provides services to prospective parents facing fertility challenges. The project included an expansion of laboratory space, reconfiguration of internal infrastructure, including air pressure cascades, air changes and filtration systems, to ensure quality control, the installation of monitoring equipment to safeguard staff health and safety and an upgrade of critical medical devices.
Minister Abela affirmed that access to fertility treatment is a right for every patient. Through this upgrade, the Government is continuing to make substantial investments and taking vital steps forward that will directly benefit the public.
He emphasised that this service is open to all couples, individuals and diverse families. “As a Government, we have always respected the dignity and humanity of anyone with the desire to become a parent,” he stated.
Minister Abela also underlined the strength of Malta’s public health services, which he said are capable of competing with any private facility. He highlighted the clinic as a symbol of public sector excellence.
Since 2013, 756 babies have been born through IVF procedures carried out both at Mater Dei and in the private sector. Currently, 148 more births are expected, 128 single births and 10 sets of twins. The Minister also noted that, since 2022, the Government has refunded €2.8 million in IVF-related medication costs.
“This project is a testament to our ongoing commitment to the wellbeing of the public and was made possible thanks to leadership rooted in solidarity. It also aligns with the Malta 2050 Vision, contributing to an improved quality of life for our patients,” concluded Minister Abela.