A ground-breaking framework agreement between the Order of Malta and the Italian Republic concerning scientific research was signed yesterday by Jean-Pierre Mazery, Grand Chancellor of the Order, and Silvio Berlusconi, Prime Minister of Italy, in his capacity as Minister of Health, signed the agreement during a ceremony held in Palazzo Chigi.

The agreement permits the Order of Malta’s Italian Association – which manages the Order’s health establishments in Italy – to carry out research into neuromotor rehabilitation, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitis and related pathologies. It includes the study of new diagnostic and therapeutic methods, the evaluation of the impact of pathologies in Italy, the drafting of specific diagnosis protocols, the optimisation of therapeutic treatments and the training and updating of personnel.

During the ceremony, held in Palazzo Chigi, Silvio Berlusconi declared: “Few institutions enjoy the prestige of the Order of Malta. The Italian Ministry of Health has willingly approved this agreement because of the Order’s great experience in these specific sectors.”

In his reply, Jean-Pierre Mazery noted that “The 2003 Agreement on health relations between the Order and Italy has helped to strengthen the cooperation between our Italian Association and the Ministry of Health, with today’s Agreement representing a development of considerable importance and of special benefit to Italian citizens.”

The scientific research framework completes the initiatives set up with the Health Agreement between the Italian Government and the Order of Malta, which became active with law 157 of 2003.