‘Cautiously Optimistic’: The Malta Veterinary Association Reacts To Government Plans To Introduce Vet Course On The Island
The Malta Veterinary Association (MVA) stated that it remains “cautiously optimistic” about Prime Minister Robert Abela’s recent announcement regarding the introduction of a veterinary course in Malta, adding that the association was not consulted on the matter.
The NGO expressed that while it “welcomes the government’s initiative to establish a veterinary school in Malta,” it remains “cautiously optimistic,” adding that “As the body representing the veterinary community in Malta, the MVA regrets that information on the details of the initiative is limited and no consultation with the MVA has been carried out as yet.”
This reaction follows Abela’s announcement two days ago at a Labour Youth Forum event, where he said that Malta will introduce its inaugural veterinary course in collaboration with MCAST and a foreign university.
As it currently stands, those who wish to pursue studies to become a veterinarian must do so abroad as there exists no course on our islands. For this reason, Abela stressed the need to rectify this issue, announcing plans for a veterinary course to be provided in Malta.
“MVA acknowledges that efforts to establish a veterinary school alongside the University of Malta have been considered previously. However, with the recent announcement by Prime Minister Robert Abela regarding the collaboration with MCAST and a foreign university, the MVA is hopeful about the potential outcome this time,” the organization stated.
Back in 2010, then Rural Affairs Minister George Pullicino said that discussions with the University of Malta regarding the implementation of veterinary medicine courses were underway. This statement was issued in response to a parliamentary inquiry from Evarist Bartolo who inquired whether the ministry would contemplate awarding scholarships to youths who, due to the absence of such courses in Malta, had to pursue their studies at foreign universities, often at significant personal expense.
President of the Malta Veterinary Association Julia Zammit stated, “While this is not the first time Malta has explored the possibility of opening a veterinary school, we are hopeful that the current initiative will yield positive results.”
MVA stressed the significance of guaranteeing that the new veterinary faculty adheres to professional standards and aligns with the highest international educational standards, through “thorough planning and consultation with stakeholders.”
”By prioritising quality education and professional standards, Malta can position itself as a hub for excellence in veterinary medicine,” the organisation said.
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