New National Toxicology Centre inaugurated

Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela has inaugurated a new National Toxicology Centre.

Abela emphasized the importance of Malta having a dedicated toxicology centre, so when there are cases of poisoning, immediate and specialised care is readily available.

The Minister also announced that the public can now call 1774 to receive professional assistance regarding toxicology.

In a government statement, the Health and Active Ageing Ministry said that The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that globally, unintentional poisoning causes over 100,000 deaths in a single year.

He explained that the National Toxicology Centre and its multidisciplinary staff will provide treatment to patients in need of their services, without the need to go to emergency departments in Malta and Gozo. They will also increase awareness about the prevention of intoxication.

Abela said that this was another electoral measure to safeguard the health of patients in the country.

Director General of Health Clarence Pace explained that the professionals leading this centre will continue to be trained and conduct research at the University of Malta.

"This centre will be crucial both for professionals working in the health sector and for the public. We are committed to seeing this centre continue to expand to become a point of reference,” Pace said.