Malta takes pride in its medical history and services and earned its reputation for healthcare and recuperation after caring for patients in the First World War. The country's nursing and hygiene care was once considered the most advanced in Europe and its medical faculty at the University of Malta is one of the oldest.
Malta has a public healthcare system, known as the government healthcare service, as well as a thriving private healthcare system. Employers and employees pay national insurance contributions towards their healthcare costs but since the health services suffer cash flow problems and long queues for operations many residents are opting for private health insurance (or paying upfront) to see GPs and specialists privately.
The island has government-run health centres offering primary health care services as well as specialised health services like immunisation, speech therapy, dental services, antenatal and postnatal clinics, well baby clinics, diabetes clinics, and paediatric clinics.
Secondary and tertiary care is provided by the two public hospitals - Mater Dei Hospital - the new state of the art public hospital in Msida. It opened its doors to the public for the first time on 29 June 2007. The 250,000 sqm complex includes 825 beds and 25 operating theaters. Mater Dei is also the main teaching hospital; and Gozo General Hospital, in Gozo. The public healthcare system operates solely through its public hospitals and clinics and there are no private beds or facilities in the public hospitals.
The island's private hospitals and clinics feature the latest technology, and as well as providing healthcare for some Maltese residents, are attracting private patients from all over the globe. Health tourists can be assured that that medical staff in Malta are well trained. When Malta was a British colony the medical and nursing services ran on the same legal and clinical practices as in the UK and even after Malta became independent these standards have continued. NHS Consultants in Malta are appointed only if they have achieved the equivalence of a UK Consultant.
The medical sector in Malta and Gozo is regulated by the Medical Council of Malta (the Ministry), and has a comprehensive code of ethics covering both the medical and dental professions. The Medical Association of Malta (MAM) unites members of the medical profession.
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