Overview
In Malta you can find two types of healthcare: public and private. Malta’s public healthcare system is a strong one, providing free services to Maltese citizens and those of the European Union. The public sector also includes our Health Centers across the island, where General Practitioner and nursing services are included, among others. We have several public hospitals in Malta and Gozo, with the main one called Mater Dei, which is one of the largest medical buildings in Europe.

What happens if you need to see a doctor?
This depends on the situation at hand. One can source a doctor (GP or specialized) at a local clinic which will fall under private healthcare. On the other hand, those who are eligible for free healthcare can visit their Health Care Centre in order to see a GP and be directed accordingly if need be. Should your visit be an emergency, you or someone capable are advised to call an ambulance which will automatically be directed to our Accident and Emergency Department at Mater Dei Hospital.

Who decides what doctors can prescribe?
The Malta Medicines Authority protects and enhances public health in Malta through the regulation of medicinal products and pharmaceutical activities.

Practically, what is it like to live with type 1 diabetes in Malta?
Living with type 1 diabetes is never easy, however there are many external conditions that may help or worsen the quality of life of a person with type 1 diabetes. It is a condition which requires constant care and in certain situations, help from others. My experience verifies a positive review of what it is like to live in Malta with the chronic illness. The healthcare system ensures the proper care of patients with type 1 diabetes, through regular checkups with diabetes specialists and any other specialized doctors one may need.

Being such a small island has its benefits. Everything and everyone is close. People know people, so your mind is always at rest knowing that if something happens your family, friends or carers will be contacted in a short time.

What about getting admitted to hospital?
The most common reason a person might get admitted to the hospital is due to Diabetic Ketoacidosis. Type 1 diabetes is not a predictable condition and this is what makes it so tough at times. In my own experience, upon displaying severe symptoms of DKA I arrived at Mater Dei’s A&E Department, and a nurse carried out a quick evaluation of what was happening in order to register me. I was then taken to a temporary bed, still in A&E, where the briefed doctors would immediately start treatment and all necessary tests. All doctors and nurses have always been very quick and considerate with both the patient and the family.

Once I was admitted as an in-patient, I was then transported from A&E to one of the hospital’s wards where I was treated and watched over to the point of recovery and stabilization. This usually takes a couple of days. Upon discharge, a follow up appointment was given in order to ensure that treatment was effective, and that the patient is being kept in check and healthy. All stays at the hospital through the public system do not cost the patient anything. The experience cannot be praised enough.

How does diabetes care vary throughout Malta?
Wherever you are in Malta, it will not take you very long to get to the hospital in emergencies. This puts the mind of a person with diabetes at rest. Diabetes can be managed either through the public or private health sector. In the private sector, a GP or diabetes specialist is appointed, and in most cases we also have a number of other specialised doctors who are responsible for the patient. In the public sector, our services are provided within the diabetes clinic at Mater Dei Hospital. Depending on the complication, should one arise, other professionals get involved. Diabetes education sessions are also carried out at the hospital which all patients are encouraged to attend.

A big thank you to Rachel Cluett in Malta who provided this information.