Malta has unveiled its first Digital Health and Health Data Strategy, marking what officials describe as a major step forward in the country's healthcare modernisation.

The strategy, launched for public consultation by the Ministry for Health and Active Ageing, outlines a long-term vision for a patient-centred system strengthened by digital innovation and artificial intelligence.

Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela said the plan aims to create a "digitally enabled" health ecosystem that improves efficiency, strengthens clinical decision-making and enhances citizens' overall experience when accessing care.

The strategy is built on three pillars - Data, Digital Transformation and AI - and aligns with Malta's National Health Systems Strategy 2023-2030, the National Digital Strategy, the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence, and European initiatives including the European Health Data Space.

Key proposals include expanding the myHealth portal, creating a national ePrescription and eDispensing platform, strengthening telemedicine, introducing a unified Electronic Patient Records system across all health facilities, and establishing a secure national Electronic Health Records platform. It also emphasises participation in European health networks.