Malta: Health System Review

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Malta: Health System Review Natasha Azzopardi Muscat, Neville Calleja, Stefan Buttigieg, Sherry Merkur Malta: health system review Article (Published version) (Refereed) Original citation: Azzopardi Muscat, Natasha, Calleja, Neville, Buttigieg, Stefan and Merkur, Sherry (2017) Malta: health system review. Health Systems in Transition, 19 (1). pp. 1-137. ISSN 1817-6127 © 2017 World Health Organization This version available at: http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/75847/ Available in LSE Research Online: May 2017 LSE has developed LSE Research Online so that users may access research output of the School. Copyright © and Moral Rights for the papers on this site are retained by the individual authors and/or other copyright owners. Users may download and/or print one copy of any article(s) in LSE Research Online to facilitate their private study or for non-commercial research. You may not engage in further distribution of the material or use it for any profit-making activities or any commercial gain. You may freely distribute the URL (http://eprints.lse.ac.uk) of the LSE Research Online website. Health Systems in Transition Vol. 19 No. 1 2017 Malta Health system review Natasha Azzopardi-Muscat Stefan Buttigieg • Neville Calleja Sherry Merkur Sherry Merkur (editor) and Ellen Nolte and Ewout van Ginneken (Series editors) were responsible for this HiT Editorial Board Series editors Reinhard Busse, Berlin University of Technology, Germany Josep Figueras, European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies Martin McKee, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom Elias Mossialos, London School of Economics and Political Science, United Kingdom Ellen Nolte, European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies Ewout van Ginneken, Berlin University of Technology, Germany Series coordinator Gabriele Pastorino, European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies Editorial team Jonathan Cylus, European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies Cristina Hernández-Quevedo, European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies Marina Karanikolos, European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies Anna Maresso, European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies David McDaid, European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies Sherry Merkur, European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies Dimitra Panteli, Berlin University of Technology, Germany Wilm Quentin, Berlin University of Technology, Germany Bernd Rechel, European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies Erica Richardson, European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies Anna Sagan, European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies Anne Spranger, Berlin University of Technology, Germany International advisory board Tit Albreht, Institute of Public Health, Slovenia Carlos Alvarez-Dardet Díaz, University of Alicante, Spain Rifat Atun, Harvard University, United States Armin Fidler, Management Center Innsbruck Colleen Flood, University of Toronto, Canada Péter Gaál, Semmelweis University, Hungary Unto Häkkinen, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Finland William Hsiao, Harvard University, United States Allan Krasnik, University of Copenhagen, Denmark Joseph Kutzin, World Health Organization Soonman Kwon, Seoul National University, Republic of Korea John Lavis, McMaster University, Canada Vivien Lin, La Trobe University, Australia Greg Marchildon, University of Regina, Canada Alan Maynard, University of York, United Kingdom Nata Menabde, World Health Organization Charles Normand, University of Dublin, Ireland Robin Osborn, The Commonwealth Fund, United States Dominique Polton, National Health Insurance Fund for Salaried Staff (CNAMTS), France Sophia Schlette, Federal Statutory Health Insurance Physicians Association, Germany Igor Sheiman, Higher School of Economics, Russian Federation Peter C. Smith, Imperial College, United Kingdom Wynand P.M.M. van de Ven, Erasmus University, The Netherlands Witold Zatonski, Marie Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Centre, Poland Health Systems in Transition Natasha Azzopardi-Muscat, Department of Health Services Management, Faculty of Health Science, University of Malta; Directorate for Health Information and Research, Ministry for Health, Malta Stefan Buttigieg, Directorate for Health Information and Research, Ministry for Health, Malta Neville Calleja, Directorate for Health Information and Research, Ministry for Health, Malta Sherry Merkur, European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies Malta: Health System Review 2017 The European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies is a partnership between the WHO Regional Office for Europe, the Governments of Austria, Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the Veneto Region of Italy, the European Commission, the World Bank, UNCAM (French National Union of Health Insurance Funds), the London School of Economics and Political Science, and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. The European Observatory has a secretariat in Brussels and it has hubs in London (at LSE and LSHTM) and at the Technical University in Berlin. Keywords: DELIVERY OF HEALTH CARE EVALUATION STUDIES FINANCING, HEALTH HEALTH CARE REFORM HEALTH SYSTEM PLANS – organization and administration MALTA © World Health Organization 2017 (acting as the host The designations employed and the presentation of the organization for, and secretariat of, the European material in this publication do not imply the expression Observatory on Health Systems and Policies). of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies or any of All rights reserved. The European Observatory on its partners concerning the legal status of any country, Health Systems and Policies welcomes requests for territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning permission to reproduce or translate its publications, the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Where the in part or in full. designation “country or area” appears in the headings of tables, it covers countries, territories, cities, or areas. Please address requests about the publication to: Dotted lines on maps represent approximate border lines Publications, for which there may not yet be full agreement. WHO Regional Office for Europe, UN City, The mention of specific companies or of certain Marmorvej 51, manufacturers’ products does not imply that they are DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark endorsed or recommended by the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies in preference to others Alternatively, complete an online request form for of a similar nature that are not mentioned. Errors and documentation, health information, or for permission omissions excepted, the names of proprietary products to quote or translate, on the Regional Office web site are distinguished by initial capital letters. (http://www.euro.who.int/pubrequest) The European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies The views expressed by authors or editors do not does not warrant that the information contained in this necessarily represent the decisions or the stated policies publication is complete and correct and shall not be liable of the European Observatory on Health Systems and for any damages incurred as a result of its use. Policies or any of its partners. Printed and bound in the United Kingdom. Suggested citation: Azzopardi-Muscat N, Buttigieg S, Calleja N, Merkur S (2017). Malta: Health system review. Health Systems in Transition, 2017; 19(1):1–137. HiTs and HiT summaries are available on the Observatory’s website (http://www.healthobservatory.eu) ISSN 1817-6127 Vol. 19 No. 1 Contents Contents Preface ......................................................................................................... v Acknowledgements .................................................................................... vii List of abbreviations ................................................................................... ix List of tables, figures and boxes ................................................................. xi Abstract .................................................................................................... xiii Executive summary ................................................................................... xv 1. Introduction ............................................................................................. 1 1.1 Geography and sociodemography ............................................................... 1 1.2 Economic context ...................................................................................... 4 1.3 Political context ........................................................................................ 5 1.4 Health status ............................................................................................. 6 2. Organization and governance ............................................................... 11 2.1 Organization ........................................................................................... 12 2.2 Decentralization and centralization .......................................................... 17 2.3 Intersectorality ....................................................................................... 18 2.4 Regulation and planning .......................................................................... 18 2.5 Patient empowerment .............................................................................. 24 3. Financing ............................................................................................... 31 3.1 Health
Recommended publications
  • Programme Book Is Printed on FSC Mix Paper
    9th European Public Health Conference OVERVIEW PROGRAMME All for Health, WEDNESDAY 9 NOVEMBER THURSDAY 10 NOVEMBER FRIDAY 11 NOVEMBER SATURDAY 12 NOVEMBER 09:00 – 17:00 08:30 – 12:00 8:30 – 9:30 8:30 – 9:30 Pre-conferences Pre-conferences Parallel session 4 Parallel session 8 Health for All 9:40-10:40 9:40 – 10:40 Plenary 2 Parallel session 9 10:30 10:00 10:40 10:40 Coffee/tea break Coffee/tea break Coffee/tea break Coffee/tea break 10th European Public Health Conference 2017 11th European Public Health Conference 2018 11:10-12:40 11:10 – 12:40 Stockholm, Sweden Ljubljana, Slovenia Parallel session 5 Parallel session 10 PROGRAMME 12:30 12:00 12:40 - 14:00 12:40 Lunch for pre-conference Lunch for pre-conference Lunch break Lunch break delegates only delegates only Lunch symposiums Join the Networks 13:00 – 13:40 14:00 – 15:00 13:40 – 14:40 Opening ceremony Plenary 3 Plenary 5 13:50 – 14:50 15:10 – 16:10 14:40 – 15:25 Parallel session 1 Parallel session 6 Closing ceremony Sustaining resilient Winds of Change: towards new ways 15:00 – 16:00 and healthy communities of improving public health in Europe Plenary 1 15:00 16:00 16:10 1 November - 4 November 2017 28 November - 1 December 2018 Coffee/tea break Coffee/tea break Coffee/tea break Stockholmsmässan, Stockholm Cankarjev Dom, Ljubljana 16:30 – 17:30 16:40 – 17:40 Parallel session 2 Parallel session 7 #ephstockholm #eph2018 17:40 – 18:40 17:50 – 18:50 Parallel session 3 Plenary 4 19:30 – 22:00 19:30 – 23:59 Welcome reception Conference dinner 9 - 12 November 2016 www.ephconference.eu @ephconference
    [Show full text]
  • Travel Insurance Policy Wording
    Your Policy Document Advice to Travellers Important Phone Numbers Immunisations Please make a note of the following phone You may need extra immunisations when numbers or add them to Your mobile; You travelling Abroad. Check whether You do may need them in an emergency or if You before travelling online at: need to make a Claim. https://health.gov.mt/en/phc/pchyhi/Page Chubb Assistance s/Travel-Vaccination.aspx For overseas medical emergencies please contact Chubb Assistance on: EHIC Telephone: +356 27 761 374 If You are travelling to Europe (all EU (24 hours a day, 365 days a year) countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway & Switzerland) You should obtain a Chubb Claims European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and take it with You when You travel. This Telephone: +356 27 761 373 will allow You to benefit from the reciprocal (Monday - Friday, from 9.00 to 16.30) health arrangements, which exist with these Email: [email protected] countries and, if You have a valid Claim for Medical Expenses under this Policy, We will Chubb Customer Service not deduct the Excess where the cost of Telephone: +356 27 761 373 Your Claim has been reduced by You using Your EHIC. (Monday - Friday, from 9.00 to 16.30) Email: [email protected] You can get more information about the EHIC, apply or renew Your EHIC: Online at: http://www.ehic.gov.mt Helpful hints for your insurance By phone: +356 25952400 By post: Forms available online. Take copies of Your policy documents on YourTrip with You; Waiver Report any Loss of theft to the hotel If You have a valid Claim for medical or local police within 24 hours and get expenses under this Policy, which is reduced a report from them; by You Keep Valuables safe (for example in a using an EHIC; or safety deposit box); taking advantage of a reciprocal health Don’t leave Valuables lying around or agreement with Malta; or in view of other people; using Your private medical insurance Leave yourself enough time to get to at the point of treatment, the airport, park, and get through We will not deduct the excess.
    [Show full text]
  • MILLENNIUM FEATURE Public Health Medicine in Malta - Past, Present and Future
    , Maltese Medical Journal, 2000; 12(1,2): 4 All rights reserved MILLENNIUM FEATURE Public Health Medicine in Malta - Past, Present and Future A Vassallo* and HM Gilles** ABSTRACT: This article highlights some of the significant developments in public health in­ cluding the pattern of disease in past centuries when emphasis was on sanitation and control of epidemics. The improved social conditions as well as health care developments during the past decades have not only changed this pattern, but have also modified the approach to public health. The future presents us with challenges which we must face through appreciation of the issues involved and the use of appropriate strategies. * 214 Old Bakery Street, Valletta, Malta * * Visiting Professor in Public Health Medicine, University of Malta Medical School, Gwardamangia, Malta Introduction sponsibility of the Magistrus Sanitatis while the Pro­ tomedicus or Physician-in-Chief was appointed. Public Health Medicine in Malta like in many other Under British rule environmental health was entrusted countries has undergone significant developments over to District Medical Officers and the Medical Police the past centuries. The earlier focus on sanitation and headed by the Police Physician of Valletta. This in­ predominantly reactive approach to the massive epi­ cluded inspection of food and of pharmacies, quarantine demics which killed thousands of human beings has and prevention of spread of disease in general. By 1863 given way to a planned preventive approach to health various health laws were enacted amongst which was based on equity as a result of the better understanding Ordinance 11 of 1862 which provided for the registration of the social and other determinants of health.
    [Show full text]
  • Diabetes: a National Public Health Priority
    Diabetes: A National Public 2016- Health Priority 2020 A National Strategy for Diabetes The aim of this strategy is to implement measures aimed at preventing diabetes, expanding treatment options and improving the integrated management of diabetes so as to prevent or postpone the onset of diabetes-related complications FOREWORD Diabetes is a common chronic condition in the Maltese population. It is for this reason that Government has made diabetes one of its key priorities. Inkomplu ntejbu u nwessgħu s-servizzi li jingħataw lid-dijabetiċi kemm fuq livell ċentrali kif ukoll bħala kura fil-komunita’….. In November 2014 I had the pleasure to launch a consultation document containing a series of proposals that together will help us to address diabetes effectively at a national level. This document was the basis for a public consultation that ran until May 2015. The feedback received was heartening and encouraging. The document was also reviewed by external experts who confirmed that our vision and strategy is on the right track. Our aim remains that of seeking to reduce the impact that diabetes has on individuals, their families and society. The updated document focuses on the initiatives that have been selected for priority action. We acknowledge that it is impossible to do everything at once but we are determined to implement a series of interventions that together will start to make a difference. The aim of this document is to provide a blueprint to keep us firmly focussed on achieving results. We have already started with the process of expansion of the Government formulary for diabetes medicines.
    [Show full text]
  • EHIS Malta 2008
    HEALTH INTERVIEW SURVEY 2008 – SUMMARY STATISTICS 1 HEALTH INTERVIEW SURVEY 2008 – SUMMARY STATISTICS European Health Interview Survey 2008 Summary Statistics Department of Health Information and Research Strategy and Sustainability Division Ministry for Social Policy 2 HEALTH INTERVIEW SURVEY 2008 – SUMMARY STATISTICS Foreword Health is a top priority sector for this Government. This is because we believe that every Maltese citizen has a right to live as healthy a life as possible. When our health is threatened by illness or injury we seek to obtain the necessary healthcare that will assist us to return to a productive and fulfilling life. Over the past decade our efforts were mainly concentrated on improving public hospital services. These efforts have borne fruit and further projects to continue to enhance health and long-term care services are in the pipeline. Malta presently has top ratings in healthy life expectancy in Europe (at around 10 years for both men and women aged 65). This statistic, which is hard to achieve and harder to maintain; is testimony to the investment that has taken place over the past years. However, if we want to truly ensure that our high level of health is maintained and improved, focussing on health services alone is not enough and we need to implement a series of public health strategies that will strive to bring about healthy well-being for the Maltese population now and in the future. Targeting our efforts to reach those in greatest need is essential for our strategies to be both successful and sustainable. We need to know who the population groups at greatest risk for ill health in Malta are.
    [Show full text]
  • Prediction of Infectious Disease Outbreaks Based on Limited Information
    PREDICTION OF INFECTIOUS DISEASE OUTBREAKS BASED ON LIMITED INFORMATION VINCENT-ANTHONY MARMARÀ Doctor of Philosophy Mathematics University of Stirling September 2016 i DECLARATION I, Vincent-Anthony Marmarà, confirm that the work presented in this thesis is, to the best of my knowledge, original. Where information has been derived from other sources, I confirm that this has been indicated in the thesis. ______________________________ Vincent-Anthony Marmarà September 2016 ii ABSTRACT The last two decades have seen several large-scale epidemics of international impact, including human, animal and plant epidemics. Policy makers face health challenges that require epidemic predictions based on limited information. There is therefore a pressing need to construct models that allow us to frame all available information to predict an emerging outbreak and to control it in a timely manner. The aim of this thesis is to develop an early-warning modelling approach that can predict emerging disease outbreaks. Based on Bayesian techniques ideally suited to combine information from different sources into a single modelling and estimation framework, I developed a suite of approaches to epidemiological data that can deal with data from different sources and of varying quality. The SEIR model, particle filter algorithm and a number of influenza-related datasets were utilised to examine various models and methodologies to predict influenza outbreaks. The data included a combination of consultations and diagnosed influenza-like illness (ILI) cases for five influenza seasons. I showed that for the pandemic season, different proxies lead to similar behaviour of the effective reproduction number. For influenza datasets, there exists a strong relationship between consultations and diagnosed datasets, especially when considering time- dependent models.
    [Show full text]
  • Diabetes in Malta: Current Findings and Future Trends
    Commentary Diabetes in Malta: Current Findings and Future Trends Judith Townsend Rocchiccioli, Cynthia R O’Donoghue, Sandra Buttigieg Abstract Introduction Diabetes is a considerable global problem. Recent Diabetes is a considerable global problem. Recent projections suggest that at least 194 million people suffer from projections suggest that at least 194 million people suffer from diabetes worldwide. The World Health Organization suggests diabetes worldwide and the World Health Organization suggests this number will increase to 333 million by 2025. Approximately this number will increase to 333 million by 2025. Approximately four million deaths each year are caused by diabetes-related 4 million deaths each year are caused by diabetes-related complications totaling an astounding 9% of deaths worldwide. complications, totaling an astounding 9% of deaths worldwide. Currently, epidemiological studies indicate that 1% of the Although no nations or cultures are exempt from this Maltese population suffer from Type I Diabetes Mellitus and devastating disease, developing countries will account for 150% 9% from Type II Diabetes Mellitus. Following global of the increase.1 Diabetes was once considered a disease of predictions, it is probable that the incidence of Type I diabetes wealthy countries but now is affecting low-income and will increase also. This article evaluates the current Maltese developing countries that currently have the fastest growing diabetic care system and conducts a strategic analysis of diabetic numbers of newly diagnosed patients. For example, in India it practices. Recommendations for a cost-effective standard of is estimated that over the next 25 years, the number of citizens care, legislative support for comprehensive diabetic care, and a with diabetes will soar from 32 million currently affected to over national policy are proposed.
    [Show full text]
  • Mental Health Promotion and Mental Disorder Prevention Across European Member States: a Collection of Country Stories
    EUROPEAN COMMISSION Mental health promotion and mental disorder prevention across European Member States: a collection of country stories (Second edition) Mental health promotion and mental disorder prevention across European Member States: a collection of country stories European Commission Neither the European Commission nor any person acting on its behalf is responsible for any use that might be made of the following information. The information contained in this publication does not necessarily reflect the opinion or the position of the European Commission. European Network on Mental Health Promotion and Mental Disorder Prevention Implementing Mental Health Promotion Action Partners of countries involved: Ludwig EESTI - ROOTSI VAIMSE TERVISE JA Boltzmann SUITSIDOLOOGIA INSTITUUT (ERSI) Institute for the ESTONIAN - SWEDISH MENTAL HEALTH Sociology of AND SUICIDOLOGY INSTITUTE (ERSI) Health and Medicine HELLENIC REPUBLIC 2 nd REGIONAL HEALTH AUTHORITY OF ATTICA ATHENS GENERAL HOSPITAL “GEORGIOS GENNIMATAS” MENTAL HEALTH CENTRE MINISTRY OF HEALTH, CARE OF THE ELDERLY & COMMUNITY CARE MALTA With the support of: MHEEN Mental Health Economics European Network More information on the country stories is available at: http://www.imhpa.net A great deal of additional information on the European Union is available on the Internet. It can be accessed through the Europa server (http://europa.eu.int). This document should be quoted: Jané-Llopis, E. & Anderson, P. (Eds). (2006). Mental health promotion and mental disorder prevention across European Member States: a collection of country stories. Luxembourg: European Communities. ISBN-10: 92-79-01160-X © European Communities, 2006 Reproduction is authorised, except for commercial purposes, provided the source is acknowledged. Inside layout design by Scriptura, Nijmegen, The Netherlands Printed by the services of the European Commission Preface 1 Preface Positive mental health is an integral part of the health and well-being of the citizens of Europe.
    [Show full text]
  • Tightening Tobacco Control Legislation in Malta: a National Health Promotion Initiative on Smoking M
    TIGHTENING TOBACCO CONTROL LEGISLATION IN MALTA: A NATIONAL HEALTH PROMOTION INITIATIVE ON SMOKING M. R. SAMMUT SENIOR MEDICAL OFFICER IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION Introduction: In Malta, The Ottawa Charter for Health therefore should target an issue individual smokers, doctors and Promotion describes health that has an appreciable effect the adult general public are promotion as "the process of on health. recognising the ill effects of enabling people to increase smoking, and are seeking to do control over, and to improve, Smoking is such an issue. stng adults and, more their health"l. It consists of the The World Health Organisation importantly, to trigger off a similar reduction among adolescents, informed application of any has stated: "Tobacco products with a consequent protection combination of interventions have no safe level of against disease and death. (educational, legal, fiscal, consumption. They are the only economic, environmental and legal consumer products that Method: Local initiatives organisational) designed to cause ill health and premature against smoking were compared facilitate the achievement of death when used exactly as the to the WHO - World Health health and the prevention of manufacturer intends. Unless Organisation's Ten-Point disease. Health promotion can concerted action is taken Programme for Successful To­ work at three levels: at the quickly, 250 million of today's bacco Control, to a WHO model primary level to prevent illness children will die prematurely law for comprehensive tobacco
    [Show full text]
  • Building Blocks in Diabetes Education and Control
    Building Blocks IN DIABETES EDUCATION AND CONTROL: A framework for comprehensive diabetes care BUILDING BLOCKS IN DIABETES EDUCATION AND CONTROL Diabetes Care Building Blocks in Diabetes A Framework for Comprehensive Education and Control: PAHO Headquarters Library — Cataloging in Publication Data Barceló, Alberto. Building blocks in diabetes education and control: Guidelines for comprehensive diabetes care. Washington, DC: PAHO, © 2009. ISBN 978-92-75-13290-6 1. DIABETES MELLITUS—prevention and control 2. HEALTH CARE DELIVERY 3. CHRONIC DISEASE—prevention and control NLM WK 810 The Pan American Health Organization welcomes requests for authorization to reproduce or translate any of its publications, in whole or in part. Applications and inquiries should be directed to the Publications Program, Pan American Health Organization, Washington, DC, USA, which will be glad to provide the latest information on any changes made to the text, plans for new editions, and reprints and translations already available. © Pan American Health Organization, 2010 Publications of the Pan American Health Organization enjoy copyright protection in accordance with the provisions on original reproduction of Protocol 2 of the Universal Copyright Convention. All rights reserved. The designations employed and the presentation of material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the Pan American Health Organization concerning the status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The mention of specific companies or of certain manufacturers’ products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by the Pan American Health Organization in preference to others of a similar nature.
    [Show full text]
  • Epiet Report
    FELLOWSHIP REPORT Summary of work activities Raquel Medialdea-Carrera Intervention Epidemiology path (EPIET) Cohort 2018 Background The ECDC Fellowship Training Programme includes two distinct curricular pathways: Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET) and Public Health Microbiology Training (EUPHEM). After the two-year training EPIET and EUPHEM graduates are considered experts in applying epidemiological or microbiological methods to provide evidence to guide public health interventions for communicable disease prevention and control. Both curriculum paths are part of the ECDC fellowship programme that provides competency based training and practical experience using the ‘learning by doing’ approach in acknowledged training sites across the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) Member States. Intervention Epidemiology path (EPIET) Field epidemiology aims to apply epidemiologic methods in day to day public health field conditions in order to generate new knowledge and scientific evidence for public health decision making. The context is often complex and difficult to control, which challenges study design and interpretation of study results. However, often in Public Health we lack the opportunity to perform controlled trials and we are faced with the need to design observational studies as best as we can. Field epidemiologists use epidemiology as a tool to design, evaluate or improve interventions to protect the health of a population. The European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET) was created in 1995. Its purpose is to create a network of highly trained field epidemiologists in the European Union, thereby strengthening the public health epidemiology workforce at Member State and EU/EEA level. Current EPIET alumni are providing expertise in response activities and strengthening capacity for communicable disease surveillance and control inside and beyond the EU.
    [Show full text]
  • A Mental Health Strategy for Malta 2020-2030
    Building Resilience Transforming Services A MENTAL HEALTH STRATEGY FOR MALTA 2020-2030 JULY 2019 OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER MINISTRY FOR MINIEUROPEANSTRY FOR AF HEAFAIRSLTH AND EQUALITY This strategy will guide the implementation of investment and reforms which will truly place mental health and treatment of mental illness at the heart of the health policy agenda of our country in the years to come. Chris Fearne Deputy Prime Minister Minister for Health A MENTAL HEALTH STRATEGY FOR MALTA 2020-2030 FOREWORD Mental health is an indispensable element of health and well-being that we all possess and need to nurture and protect through a proactive and preventive approach that goes far beyond the confines of the health sector. Indeed, every facet of our daily life has a bearing on our mental wellbeing. Preserving a good state of mental health therefore involves policies and actions within and beyond the health department. As a government, we are doing this already by implementing policies in line with our ethos and social conscience; by creating employment opportunities, by reducing material poverty and by modernising our approaches to education and substance misuse. We must go further. This strategy sets out the roadmap how we can strive to achieve and preserve mental wellbeing and how to manage instances when more focused care is needed. In December 2018, the first important step of this journey was taken when the Health Ministry presented a document articulating Government’s commitment to the promotion of mental health and transformation of our mental health services. Through the extensive consultation process conducted, I believe that the document has been well received.
    [Show full text]