Maltese Health Profile

Malta is a small island nation in the Mediterranean with a population of approximately 500,000. The Maltese people have a life expectancy of 81 years, which is above the European Union average. The healthcare system in Malta is publicly funded and provides universal coverage to all residents.

Despite this, there are still a number of health issues that affect the Maltese population. These include non-communicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, as well as communicable diseases such as influenza and tuberculosis.

Leading Causes of Morbidity

Non-communicable diseases are the leading causes of morbidity in Malta. In 2018, cardiovascular disease accounted for 42% of all deaths in Malta. This was followed by cancer at 26%, and respiratory diseases at 6%. The prevalence of obesity in Malta is also a concern, with 28% of the population classified as obese.

In terms of communicable diseases, influenza is a common illness in Malta, particularly during the winter months. Tuberculosis is also present in Malta, with around 20 cases reported each year.

Non-Communicable Diseases

Non-communicable diseases are a major health issue in Malta, as they are in many other countries. The Maltese government has implemented a number of initiatives aimed at reducing the prevalence of these diseases, including campaigns to promote healthy eating and physical activity.

The Maltese healthcare system also provides a range of services to help manage non-communicable diseases. This includes regular health check-ups, medication, and lifestyle advice.

Communicable Diseases

While communicable diseases are not as prevalent in Malta as they once were, they are still a concern. The Maltese government has implemented a number of measures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, such as vaccination programs and regular health screenings.

Health Services in Malta

The Maltese healthcare system is publicly funded and provides universal coverage to all residents. This includes access to primary care services, specialist care, and hospital treatment. The system is overseen by the Ministry of Health, and is funded through taxation.

Public vs Private Healthcare

While the public healthcare system in Malta provides universal coverage, some residents choose to use private healthcare services instead. Private healthcare providers in Malta offer a range of services, including specialist care and surgical procedures.

Health Insurance in Malta

Health insurance is not mandatory in Malta, as the public healthcare system provides universal coverage. However, some residents choose to take out private health insurance to cover the cost of private healthcare services.

Medicines and Prescriptions

Prescription medicines are available in Malta, and are dispensed by pharmacies. Some medicines are available over the counter, while others require a prescription from a doctor.

Mental Health Care

Mental health is a growing concern in Malta, with an estimated one in four people experiencing mental health issues at some point in their lives. The Maltese healthcare system provides a range of mental health services, including counselling and medication.

Maternal and Child Health

The Maltese healthcare system provides a range of services to support maternal and child health. This includes antenatal care, postnatal care, and child health clinics.

Elderly Care in Malta

The Maltese population is ageing, and elderly care is becoming an increasingly important issue. The Maltese healthcare system provides a range of services to support elderly care, including home care services and residential care homes.

Health and Lifestyle Tips

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important for overall health and wellbeing. This includes eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Regular health check-ups are also important, particularly for those with pre-existing health conditions.