Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg has praised the role of Malta's Telemedicine Centre after figures showed its doctors are now providing around 9,000 telephone medical consultations every month, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Ministry for Health said in a statement.
During a visit to the Primary HealthCare Telemedicine Centre in Siġġiewi, Borg met staff operating the 24/7 service, which offers free medical advice, symptom assessments and non-emergency healthcare support.
The service, launched in 2020, receives up to 350 requests for medical consultations each day. According to the Primary HealthCare Department, around 70% of callers receive the medical support they need without requiring a visit to a health centre or other healthcare facility.
In addition to providing medical advice, the centre coordinates home visits by government medical services, books healthcare appointments, assists patients in interpreting recent medical test results and directs callers to the most appropriate healthcare services. Overall, including medical consultations and general enquiries, the centre handles around 90,000 telephone calls every month.
Speaking during the visit, Borg said the figures highlighted the impact of continued investment in primary healthcare and the commitment of healthcare professionals.
He said he had seen first-hand during visits to health centres, community clinics and the Telemedicine Centre how services are becoming more accessible, convenient and efficient for the public.
"We will continue supporting this Centre and its team of doctors, healthcare professionals and other workers so that they can assist even more people in the years ahead. Through their commitment and professionalism, they are providing invaluable support to thousands of people every month," Borg said.
Primary HealthCare CEO Karl Farrugia said the telemedicine service continues to grow and is helping ease pressure on Malta's health centres.
"This Centre helps reduce pressure on our Health Centres while providing the public with easier, faster and more convenient access to healthcare. People can call to receive a medical consultation or be directed to the most appropriate service without the need to visit a healthcare facility in person," he said.
The Telemedicine medical advice service is available 24 hours a day on 21231231 and 21222444. In the event of a medical emergency, the public is advised to call 112 immediately, while those unsure whether their condition is an emergency can call 1400 for guidance.