National reform programme 2008-2010 Malta - European Commission

Addressing Malta’s Points to Watch
In December 2007, the Commission in its Annual Assessment Report has reconfirmed the
four points to watch identified for Malta. The Points to Watch which need to be addressed in
the Malta NRP 2008-2010 include:
• “continue implementing and reinforcing measures on health care reform;
• further improving the regulatory environment by continuing simplifying legislation by
introducing systematic impact assessments and effective one-stop-shops for business
start-ups;
• diversifying energy sources, including enhancing energy efficiency and renewable
energy and connecting Malta to Europe’s energy networks; and
• continuing efforts to raise educational attainment and reduce early school leaving.”
Implementing and reinforcing delayed measures on health care reform
Government has opted for an incremental approach towards health sector reform that is
based on building the appropriate strategies and systems to modernise the public health
sector.
Safeguarding financial sustainability has been identified as a core policy objective for health
and long-term care systems by the EU. The challenges posed by the ageing population
together with the availability of expensive medicines and technology coupled with the global
scarcity of health care human resources come together to provide strong cost escalation
levers. The issue of the long-term sustainability of the system is receiving increasing
attention. This should be understood also in light of Government’s commitment to keep
health care free at the point of delivery. There is a need to create awareness amongst
service users of their responsibilities to utilise health care services responsibly. Some health
services are not functioning efficiently because they are misused. Better financial control will
be exerted by initiating a shift of all health care entities to a controlled decentralised accrual
and responsibility accounting system 39 . This will be accompanied by an appropriate
investment in the necessary human expertise and information management systems. A high
level strategy that outlines the priorities for further developments in ICT in the coming years is
being drawn up. In all ICT developments, emphasis will be made on maximising value.
Recognising that quality health services contribute to the high level of healthy life expectancy
enjoyed by the Maltese population, Government is determined to continue to facilitate access
to services notably by providing better information on the available services as well as by
reducing lengthy waiting time to access services. Government will publish a plan on the way
forward for primary and community care services by the end of 2008. Actions to implement
the agreed strategy will start in 2009 and continue between 2010 and 2015.
The key thrusts in relation to health care include:
• containing public health care expenditure through enhanced efficiency;
• improving access to services; and
• creating an environment that supports foreign investment in health services.
39 Such a system has been in place at Mount Carmel Hospital and Zammit Clapp Hospital for a number of years with
excellent results in terms of efficiency and cost-savings.
Malta National Reform Programme 2008-2010 - 39 -