A Call for Action on Mental Health
During a recent parliamentary session, Ian Vassallo Hagi delivered a passionate address calling on the government to substantially increase funding for mental health services across Malta and Gozo.
"Mental health is not a luxury — it is a fundamental right," Ian stated. "Every Maltese citizen deserves access to quality mental health support, regardless of where they live or their financial situation."
Key Issues Raised
- The urgent need for more community mental health centres across Malta and Gozo
- Better training for primary care physicians to identify mental health issues early
- A national campaign to reduce the stigma around mental illness
- Increasing the number of mental health professionals in the public sector
As a trained podiatrist and Shadow Minister for Primary Care and Mental Health, Ian brings first-hand clinical expertise to this critical policy area. He has consistently highlighted the gap between demand for mental health services and the government's investment in this area.
The address drew significant attention from both colleagues and the public, with many constituents reaching out to share their own experiences with the mental health system.