Civil charitable institutions in Malta during the 19th century

Abstract

This thesis seeks to analyse in detail the administration of the Government Charitable Institutions department which comprised hospital and asylum services, district medical help and also social welfare services. It focuses on both the administrative structure and the amalgamation of all hospitals and services together under one department throughout the 19th century and the political rule of the colonial government as reflected in its paternalistic charity policy. The various reactions of patients or their relatives towards each charity establishment and the prevalent government system of charity are also examined.