THE MINISTER FOR GOZO OFFICIALLY PRESENTS NEW EQUIPMENT FOR THE GOZO GENERAL HOSPITAL

The Out Patients Department at the Gozo General Hospital is now better equipped through the addition of new apparatus officially presented on Thursday, 29^th March, 2001, by the Hon. Giovanna Debono, Minister for Gozo.

The introduction of a Foetal Heart Detector (Sonicaid¹²¹) renders possible the early detection of foetal life and confirmation of continued foetal life during pregnancy through a portable battery operated device.

The Foetal Heart and Vascular Detector (Sonicaid⁴²¹), also battery operated, makes possible not only the functions pertaining to the Foetal Heart Detector but also the detection of blood flow in peripheral vessels. This Detector is used for the diagnosis of certain diseases of blood vessels.

Both detectors will be stationed at the Out Patients Department at the Gozo General Hospital. Due to the fact that both the Foetal Heart Detector and the Foetal Heart and Vascular Detector are portable machines, their utilisation in any other ward is also possible, when required.

The two detectors together with a Television set and Video Player/Recorder, also to be installed at the Out Patients Department, were donated to the Gozo General Hospital by Bank of Valletta.

On the occasion, the Minister for Gozo thanked the management of Bank of Valletta for their constant support in Gozo affairs, not only through the support shown in the setting up of the first Gozo Office in Valletta but also in the organisation of the annual BOV conference directly relating to Gozo matters. "Today's presentation consolidates an already fruitful relationship between Bank of Valletta and the Ministry for Gozo. It is surely an encouraging enterprise to create collaborations between State and Para-Statal or Private Ownership that endeavour towards the well being of a particular country or society".

Referring to this sponsorship, Mr. Saviour Muscat, Bank of Valletta Gozo Branch Manager, said that "this sponsorship confirms Bank of Valletta's dedication towards, not only the economic development of the island, but also the social and cultural well being and obligations brought forward by the requisites for a better way of life".

Also present for the occasion were Prof. Maurice Cauchi (Chairman, Gozo Health Council) and Mr. Jack Theuma (Bank of Valletta).