Investment in a new MRI at St Vincent de Paul Hospital
A €1.8 million EU-funded investment to benefit over 5,000 patients in its first year
Staff Reporter ||
Published: April 11, 2026, 6:04 am
The inauguration of the new MRI machine at St Vincent de Paul Hospital.
A new MRI has been inaugurated at St Vincent de Paul, an investment of approximately €1.8 million co-financed by European funds. Minister Jo Etienne Abela, Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, and Parliamentary Secretary Malcolm Paul Agius Galea attended the inauguration.
It was explained how this 1.5T MRI investment represents an important leap in the quality of services offered, as it allows for more complex examinations with a high level of precision. This will lead to better diagnoses and more effective care for patients. It was announced that the MRI service will begin operating next week, marking another important step towards a more modern, efficient, and patient-centred health system. Investment in human resources was also made, with four new radiographers joining St Vincent de Paul to support the expanded service.
The MRI service will be available to both residents and outpatients aged 60 or older, as part of a strategy to reduce pressure on Mater Dei Hospital and cut down waiting times.
Minister for Health and Active Ageing Jo Etienne Abela explained how the Government is continuously investing in the health sector through capital investments exceeding five million euros in the Diagnostic Imaging Unit at St Vincent's. This includes a series of services introduced in recent years featuring modern and advanced equipment such as portable imaging machines, a Bone Density machine, ultrasound units, a state-of-the-art CT scanner, and now the new MRI. He stated that through today's investment, around 5,000 people will benefit in the first year alone.
"Today we are seeing another promise fulfilled and another important step for health and ageing in our country with the introduction of the sixth MRI machine. The Government remains committed to continuing its investment in health services for the benefit of the Gozitan and Maltese people," concluded Dr. Abela.
Minister for European Funds and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme, Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, stated that this EU co-financed project clearly demonstrates how health services in our country are being strengthened practically and effectively. "Through modern equipment and advanced technology, we are not only improving the quality of service but also reducing waiting times and increasing efficiency. These are investments that continue to build a health system that is more resilient and prepared for the needs of today and the future," concluded Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi.
Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing, Malcolm Paul Agius Galea, expressed his appreciation to everyone involved in making this significant step a reality, which will now bear fruit by providing a closer and more convenient service for elderly persons.
"St Vincent de Paul continues its ongoing work to expand and enhance its operations so that the elderly in the community are served in an exceptional manner. Looking just at 2026, St Vincent de Paul has also launched a Renal Unit and expanded its pharmacy building, while works are nearing completion on a psychogeriatric ward set to begin operating in early May," stated Parliamentary Secretary Agius Galea.
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