The government is planning further improvements to the 1400 medical helpline and primary healthcare services, with the aim of directing patients to the most appropriate care and reducing unnecessary pressure on Mater Dei Hospital's emergency department.

Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Ian Borg said several initiatives were being implemented to strengthen the helpline, health centres and other facilities operated by the Primary HealthCare Department.

Since July 2025, the 1400 service has assisted more than 59,418 people, an average of 124 patients a day. The service has been strengthened in recent years through the recruitment of more doctors, nurses and other staff, as well as investment in technical resources and improvements to administrative systems.

The helpline allows people experiencing medical problems to speak to doctors and nurses, who can advise them on whether they require emergency treatment at Mater Dei Hospital or can receive care closer to home through community healthcare services.

The public is being encouraged to call 112 in cases of genuine emergencies, while those with minor medical problems, or who are unsure whether their condition requires emergency treatment, are advised to contact 1400.

Patients attending Mater Dei's emergency department are assessed within approximately 15 minutes, with priority given to those whose conditions are most urgent. Those who do not have serious emergencies may have to wait an average of around six hours, the government said.

Among the planned improvements is the introduction of more efficient patient-streamlining procedures at primary healthcare centres. Urgent cases are to receive timely attention, while patients with non-urgent conditions will be offered appointments with general practitioners within a short period. Infrastructure upgrades and new technological equipment are also being planned for several health centres.

A new digital system, which is also available online, will allow people contacting 1400 to obtain real-time information about waiting times at health centres. This is intended to help medical staff direct patients to facilities where they can receive assistance more quickly.

Changes introduced last summer have also expanded the range of diagnostic tests available to family doctors and doctors working in health centres. These now include additional types of blood tests and ultrasound examinations where clinically indicated.

The government is also investing in innovative digital systems at health centres to help patients receive treatment more quickly, while reviewing how people are directed to different healthcare providers, including Mater Dei's emergency department, primary healthcare centres and private hospitals.

Following an assessment of patients' experiences and suggestions over recent years, the practice of referring people who call 1400 directly to private hospitals is being reduced. The intention is to provide more convenient access to treatment at health centres closer to patients' communities.

However, the government said collaboration with the private healthcare sector would continue to be strengthened through the outsourcing of certain Mater Dei Hospital services to private hospitals.

Patients who have received initial treatment at Mater Dei's emergency department may still be referred to private hospitals for surgical procedures or other treatment, in accordance with the existing contractual arrangements linked to the 1400 service. Technical considerations are also being taken into account to maximise the benefits of cooperation between the public and private sectors.

The government is also working to increase the use of operating theatres in private hospitals as part of efforts to ensure patients receive treatment as quickly as possible.

The measures are intended to improve access to healthcare, reduce avoidable delays and ensure patients receive appropriate treatment in the right setting and at the right time.

The public is being encouraged to continue using the 1400 helpline for guidance on the most suitable healthcare service for their needs.