St Thomas Hospital founder Dr Louis Buhagiar was among those recognised on the Ġieħ ir-Repubblika honours list announced last week, in acknowledgment of his central role in introducing renal therapy to Malta in the 1980s.

A consultant physician by profession, Dr Buhagiar was admitted to the National Order of Merit during the annual Republic Day honours ceremony held at the President’s Palace in Valletta. The award recognises a lifetime of service to medicine, public health and education, with a particular focus on his groundbreaking contribution to renal care.

The Ġieħ ir-Repubblika awards committee noted that this service has proven lifesaving for thousands of patients over the decades.

Dr Buhagiar studied at the University of Malta, where he graduated in medicine and surgery, before further developing his medical career in both Malta and the United Kingdom. After training in several London hospitals, he returned to Malta in 1982 and founded the Renal Unit at St Luke’s Hospital, introducing dialysis services for patients suffering from advanced kidney disease.

This milestone marked the beginning of Malta’s national dialysis programme, which was later extended to Mater Dei Hospital. Appointed Consultant to the Department of Health at St Luke’s Hospital at the age of just 29, Dr Buhagiar continued to shape renal services in Malta. In 1983, he organised the country’s first kidney transplant, laying the foundations for a transplant programme that remains in operation today.

He retired from public service after a distinguished 38-year career, during which he remained closely involved in patient care and service development.

Beyond clinical practice, Dr Buhagiar also played an active role in public life, serving as a Member of Parliament for 11 years between 1992 and 2003. During this period, he also held the position of Parliamentary Secretary for the Elderly.

He also made a lasting contribution to medical education as a senior lecturer at the University of Malta, helping to train and mentor generations of doctors.

Commenting on the recognition, the management of St Thomas Hospital said the honour was a fitting tribute to a visionary clinician and leader.

“Dr Buhagiar’s contribution to healthcare in Malta is profound and enduring,” the hospital’s management said.

“His pioneering work in renal therapy not only transformed patient outcomes but also set new standards for medical excellence in Malta. We are immensely proud that the founder of St Thomas Hospital has been recognised at a national level for a legacy that continues to save lives and inspire the medical community.”