Healthcare advancements in Malta for 2019

Abstract

If I were asked to pinpoint the main healthcare game changers in Malta for 2019, I guess I would mention the introduction of robotics at Mater Dei as well as the roll-out of blockchain technology and the related AI; obviously the ominous spectre of Brexit, which has already been discussed in the last editorial will always be looming in the background. Exactly three years ago I have discussed the relevance of using robots in Maltese hospitals; so I was most happy that the last Budget discussed the introduction of robotic surgery in Malta in the forthcoming months, where their main use will initially be during laparoscopic procedures. In essence, robotic surgery uses miniaturized surgical instruments that fit through a series of quarter-inch incisions. These miniaturized instruments, together with a magnified high-definition 3-D camera, are mounted on separate robotic arms, allowing the surgeon maximum range of motion and precision. These arms are controlled from a console located in the operating room. Obvious advantages include less surgeon fatigue, less trauma on the body, minimal scarring and faster recovery time. However, as what happens with changes, resistance may be a challenge. To date only a handful of countries in the EU have adopted this technology so we are really at the forefront of this.