Orthopaedic surgeon Ray Gatt is stepping into the political arena, confirming he will contest the next general election with the Nationalist Party.Gatt, a long-serving consultant in orthopaedics and trauma surgery since 2002, is expected to run in two southern districts, bringing decades of frontline medical experience into the political sphere.From Operating Theatre to Political StageGatt is no stranger to leadership within Malta’s healthcare system. He previously headed the orthopaedics and trauma unit between 2010 and 2015, giving him direct insight into how hospitals operate under pressure.Now, he’s looking to take that experience into politics, with a clear focus already outlined.“Waiting Lists Are a Key Problem”Speaking during an interview on NET Television, Gatt identified hospital waiting lists as his top priority.He described delays in treatment as one of the biggest ongoing challenges facing Malta’s healthcare system, an issue that continues to impact patients across multiple specialities.His message is straightforward: tackling waiting times will be central to his political agenda.Part of a Wider StrategyGatt’s move is not happening in isolation. It forms part of a broader effort within the Nationalist Party to bring in professionals with sector-specific expertise ahead of the next election.The push is being led by Alex Borg, as the party looks to strengthen its lineup with candidates who have hands-on experience in key areas like healthcare.A Familiar Issue, Now a Political OneHealthcare, and specifically waiting lists, has long been a contentious issue in Malta.With Gatt now entering politics, it’s likely to become an even more prominent talking point in the lead-up to the election.The question now is whether clinical experience can translate into political impact — and whether voters will see it as the kind of expertise needed to address long-standing systemic challenges. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lovin Malta (@lovinmalta)•