The Ministry for Health in Malta is responsible for health policy, healthcare delivery, and public health initiatives in Malta. It is headed by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health, Chris Fearne.

The Ministry for Health is responsible for the provision of free public healthcare services in Malta, including acute care at Mater Dei Hospital, primary healthcare services, mental health services and the provision of Government formulary medication. It also regulates the country’s healthcare providers and develops and implements policies related to public health, such as disease prevention and control, health promotion, and environmental health.

Some of the key areas of focus for the Ministry for Health include improving access to healthcare services, enhancing the quality of care, and ensuring that healthcare services are delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner. The Ministry also works to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent chronic diseases through education, awareness-raising campaigns, and other initiatives.

The Ministry plays a critical role in ensuring the health and well-being of the Maltese population and works closely with other government agencies, healthcare providers, and stakeholders to achieve its goals.
The Ministry for Health has achieved several notable accomplishments in recent years, including:

• Improved Access to Healthcare: The Ministry has worked to expand access to healthcare services in Malta, by investing in new healthcare facilities around the islands, upgrading the existing infrastructure and adding innovative equipment to assist healthcare professionals.
• Disease Prevention and Control: The Ministry has developed and implemented several public health programs aimed at preventing and controlling diseases, such as the National Immunisation Schedule, which provides free vaccinations to all children in Malta, and the National Cancer Plan, which aims to improve cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment in Malta.
• Mental Health Care: The Ministry has made significant investments in mental health care in Malta, by establishing new mental health facilities, improving access to mental health services, including in the community, and launching a 24/7 helpline, 1579, and various awareness campaigns aimed at reducing the stigma associated with mental illness.
• COVID-19 Response: The Ministry received international praise for the way it responded to the COVID-19 pandemic in Malta. By implementing a comprehensive testing and tracing program and coordinating a national Covid-19 vaccine rollout, which was very well received by the public, Malta stood out as one of the most prepared healthcare systems in the world.

The Ministry strives to continue improving the health and well-being of the Maltese population and continues to work towards achieving its goal of providing free, quality healthcare services to all Maltese citizens.