Digital healthcare in Malta
Key figures
574 250
inhabitants (2024)
9.5%
health expenditure in 2022 (% GDP)
83.2 years
life expectancy at birth
A pioneer in European innovation, with universal coverage
Malta's tax-funded healthcare system offers near-universal coverage and free access to care for all residents. The Ministry for Health and Active Ageing manages and finances this system.
The national health system strategy in Malta aims to improve the health and well-being of the population, the quality of care, the value of health services, and support for staff.
Malta also stands out as one of the first countries to have integrated the European MyHealth@EU infrastructure, facilitating continuity of care for European citizens when they move within the EU. In addition, the Maltese ecosystem is invested in several European projects aimed at improving the interoperability and exchange of healthcare data between European countries, such as the joint action Xt-EHR.
Malta’s National Health Systems Strategy 2023–2033, developed by the Government, was first adopted in 2023 and later updated in 2024. The strategy sets out a long-term vision to strengthen the country’s health system, focusing on resilience, accessibility, quality of care, and sustainability.
Looking ahead, Malta is making significant investments in healthcare through its Recovery and Resilience Plan, which dedicates nearly 70 million euros to health. Of this, about 15 million is earmarked for digital health as of September 2023.
An emerging legal framework for digital health supported by a single platform
Although the Republic of Malta does not yet have a specific law for digital health, existing laws (Health Act and Medicines Act) include provisions for digital health. In addition, the Data Protection Act regulates the collection and use of personal health data.
The Maltese healthcare system offers digital health services for citizens, patients and doctors via myHealth. This portal enables Maltese citizens and their doctors to consult their medical records, in Maltese and English, using their Maltese electronic identity card. Patients also have access to a personal health diary on which they can add any health data they wish.
Digital health investments have been announced in May 2025 regarding a significant initiative of 100M euros for the next ten years. This is expected to support the development of a new electronic patient system that will include specialists from both the public and private sector.
How to access the Maltese market?
1. Obtain start-up support from investment programs
Malta Enterprise offers a number of services:
- The "Start in Malta" program, designed to guide companies step by step in their access to the local market, with the support of funding programs and integration into Malta's digital health and MedTech ecosystem.
- The Business First program, which acts as a one-stop shop for aspiring businesses and entrepreneurs, facilitating their administrative procedures.
2. Contact the Malta Digital Innovation Authority and innovation hubs
The Malta Authority for Digital Innovation fulfills a dual role.
- As a regulator, it supports you to ensure that your solution complies with the norms and standards applicable to innovative technologies.
- It also acts as a promoterof innovative technologies, with the mission of fostering an environment conducive to technological advances. Thanks to its network, it can put you in touch with the ecosystem.
DiHubMT, the European digital innovation hub's mission is to foster an innovation ecosystem by facilitating contact between entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs, and to promote digital transformation. It offers multiple services to entrepreneurs in the digital health sector through a catalogue of services.
The Gozo Innovation Hub, a dedicated campus, offers a range of services designed to facilitate the installation and development of new businesses.
3. Register with the Malta Medicines Authority
Charged with the evaluation and control of clinical trials conducted in Malta, and ensuring that Medical Devices (MDs) placed on the market are of high quality and safe for the public.
This dedicated MD unit is responsible for:
- Controlling all MDplaced on the local market
- Ensuring their registration in economic registers
- Integrating MDin the list of medical devices placed on the Maltese market
- Implementing a MDincident reporting system, guaranteeing surveillance of their safety.
To register your medical device with the Medicines Authority, complete the appropriate form.
4. Engaging with the Maltese digital health and MedTech community
It's essential to get involved with and within the Maltese digital health ecosystem by taking part in local events. For example, the Malta Med-Tech Summit, organized by Med-Tech World, which brings together innovators and investors, offering networking opportunities.
Government authorities and platforms
They are the guarantors of smooth operation and cooperation in the healthcare system
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Innovation support initiatives
They bring together and facilitate the incubation of new technologies
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Training
Universities and their groups train and support digital health innovations