Amputations have decreased by 33% due to a series of investments by the Maltese Government.

In a recent statement the Minister for Health, the Elderly and Community Care in Malta, Hon Joe Cassar, announced that a 33% reduction in amputations over the past three years was due to careful investments in new technologies and expertise.

The employment of two consultant interventional radiologists and a consultant vascular surgeon, along with the purchase of a vascular ultrasound scanner, a CT scanner, vascular C-arm and vascular assist Doppler, has helped detect early circulation problems and increase the ability for patients to receive lower limb bypass surgery. This surgery has increased four-fold in the past three years, saving limbs and lives.

Other preventative measures have also been taken to reduce the rate of amputations in Malta, such as the establishment of local diabetes clinics and tissue viability units.

To read the press release, click here. (Release 2328)

Image: Hon Joe Cassar makes the announcement, while a lower limb bypass surgery is displayed on the screen behind him.
Credit: Malta Department of information.