Digital healthcare in Malta
Key figures
540 051
inhabitants
10,7%
of healthcare expenditure in GDP in 2020
82.7 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 of Health and Ageing manages and finances this system.
Thenational 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 MaSanté@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.
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.
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 promoter of 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.
His dedicated DM unit is responsible for:
- Controlling all DM placed on the local market
- Ensuring their registration in economic registers
- Integrating DM into the list of medical devices placed on the Maltese market
- Implementing a DM-related incident reporting system, ensuring their safety is monitored.
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
.Innovation support initiatives
They bring together and facilitate the incubation of new technologies
.Training
Universities and their groups train and support digital health innovations