Health Care & Medical services

General

Health care services in Malta are provided by both the private sector and the public sector. Although independent of each other, these two sectors run simultaneously and health care practitioners are permitted to work in both the public and the private sectors.

Private Health Care

As would be expected, the private health care system runs in a free market environment. Private health care and treatment is funded by the patients’ health insurance or out-of-pocket payments. Health care workers in this sector are paid a fee for their services.

Private Hospitals

St James’ Hospital,
Sliema & Zabbar

St Philips Hospital
Sta Venera

St Mark’s Health Clinic
Msida
+356 2123 9488

Klinika Vella
Zebbug
+356 2146 3858

Public Health Care

The public health care system in Malta is one of the best in the world according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Public health care provides universal coverage and includes primary, secondary, tertiary and long-term care. The Government funds public health from general taxation and is also provider and regulator of this sector.

Individuals who qualify for Public Health Care are EU nationals that are resident in Malta. Additionally, tourists from Australia and UK visiting Malta for less than 30 days, qualify for free emergency treatment.

Ambulance services including treatment, hospital care and specific treatment are all provided free of charge to patients using the public health care. Additionally, in-patient medication and a three-day supply of medication on hospital discharge are provided free of charge. Polyclinics (localised clinics that incorporate doctors and dentists) are located in every locality and are also free of charge.

The general public receive, free of charge:

• Dental examinations
• Investigative procedures
• Preventative treatment
• Emergency treatment
• Surgery involving general anaesthesia
• Sight tests

In addition, School Children are offered

• Preventative care
• Restorative dentistry
• Orthodontic care

“Pink Cards” are issued after means testing and entitle the holder to:

• Free essential medication (e.g. insulin for diabetics)
• Comprehensive dental services
• Visual aids, spectacles and in special cases, contact lenses
• Hearing aids

“Yellow Cards” entitle the holder to free treatment for specific chronic conditions that are listed in the Social Security Act, Schedule V.

In addition, the public health system employs professionals such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, podologists, speech therapists and audiologist whose services are offered free of charge.

Public Hospitals

St Luke’s Hospital
Guardamanagia
Currently the main “General Hospital”. Approx 8000 beds
+356 2124 1251
+ 356 2123 4101
+ 356 2148 3770


Mater Dei Hospital
Msida
Due for completion end 2007. State of the art hospital with teaching facilities. Due to take over as the main hospital when complete.


Sir Paul Boffa Hospital
Floriana
Cancer, skin & convalescence hospital.
85 beds.
+356 2122 4491
+356 2122 4581
+356 2124 5019


Zammit Clapp Hospital
St Julian’s
Specialised geriatric hospital. 60 beds.
+356 2134 4950


Gozo General Hospital
Victoria (Rabat)
Main General Hospital on Gozo. 159 beds
+356 2156 1600


Ta’ l-Ibrag hospital
Victoria (Rabat)
New wing of Gozo General Hospital
Psychiatrics & Geriatric wards. 100 beds
+356 2156 2700


St Vincent de Paule Residence
Luqa
Residence for the elderly. 1000 + beds
+356 2122 4461 / 2 / 3


Mount Carmel Hospital
Attard
Hospital for mental health and treatment
+356 2141 5183


Ministry of Health, the Elderly & Community Care
Although the Ministry of Health, the Elderly & Community Care is responsible for the financing and provision of healthcare, there are a number of other Ministries, departments and groups that have health related functions:

Ministry For The Family & Social Solidarity (MFSS)
Social welfare, social security, care for the elderly, occupational health & safety. Also responsible for Sedqa
+356 2590 3120


Ministry of Finance (MFIN)
Determines the size of the healthcare budget for the public sector.
+356 21 249 640-5


Ministry of Education, Youth And Employment (MEYE)
Training of health professionals at the Faculty of Medicine & Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry and the Institute of Health Care, all at the University of Malta
+356 2598 2556
+356 21 231 374 / 5


Ministry for Justice & Home Affairs (MJHA)
+356 2295 7000
The Civil Protection Department falls within this Ministry. The CPD is responsible for disaster planning that require police, fire department etc


Council of Health
Multisectoral representation forum



Mental Health Review Tribunal
Mount Carmel Hospital
To safeguard the rights of compulsory psychiatric detainees



For more information on health related government agencies and non-government agencies see:

> More information on health related government agencies and non-government agencies.