Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela speaks to theJournal.mt about the major reforms and positive transformation currently reshaping Malta’s healthcare system.

A wide-ranging transformation of Malta’s healthcare system is underway as major investments spanning infrastructure, services and patient care have been announced or are in the offing.

Speaking to The Journal.mt, Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela said that part of this major investment in the health sector includes sustained increases for live-in carers, alongside an expanded network of long-term and community care services which no doubt is a major aspect in the health care system where longevity is concerned.  New day centres, night shelters, respite care and the nationwide extension of the Silver-T transport service have been added to the upgrade in health-related services.

Significant upgrades have also been carried out at St Vincent de Paul Residence, which has been transformed into a fully-fledged geriatric hospital. The facility now includes advanced radiology, an MRI machine, palliative and dental care, multidisciplinary clinics, a dialysis unit and specialised spaces such as a dementia garden.

At primary care level, the launch of the Ċensu Moran Regional Health Centre is as a major step forward, integrating primary, secondary and even tertiary services under one roof. This includes specialist procedures, endoscopy and surgical interventions.

Meanwhile, Mater Dei Hospital has seen the introduction of cutting-edge technology and services, including the MR Linac for precision radiotherapy, new PET-CT scanners, a stroke ward and expanded robotic and endoscopy services. High-dependency units have also been strengthened, while emergency and intensive care capacity is set to double.

Two brand new wards will open very soon and the NPICU (children’s ITU) is to be expanded.

Healthcare reforms also extend to mental health, with the gradual phasing out of Mount Carmel Hospital as an acute facility, to be replaced by a new mental health set-up at Mater Dei, a move aimed at reducing long-standing stigma.

In Gozo, its General Hospital is undergoing extensive upgrades, including new diagnostic technology, expanded oncology services, additional operating theatres and improved emergency access via a new helipad.

Other measures include expanded national cancer screening programmes, legislative changes to organ donation, improved IVF success rates through investment in assisted reproductive services, and the introduction of new diabetes care technologies such as continuous glucose monitoring and insulin pump systems.

Efforts to reduce waiting times have also intensified, with coordination between public and private sectors and the roll-out of the 1400 helpline, which has supported thousands of patients. Digitalisation across the system is also said to be accelerating.

The CDAU and CYPS clinics have been relocated to Birkirkara into a new Child, Adolescent and Youth Services (CAYS) Unit. Relocations for Karin Grech and the administration block are to start soon.

The Health Minister told The Journal.mt that these combined initiatives are aimed at future-proofing Malta’s healthcare system, with a strong focus on accessibility, innovation and last but not least patient-centred care.