New National Veterinary Hospital To Deliver 24 Hour Care For Animals, Trains New Vets
During a visit to the National Veterinary Hospital to review ongoing works, Minister Anton Refalo, Minister Clifton Grima and Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said announced a major development in Malta’s veterinary services.
The Government is setting up a Specialised Unit for the National Veterinary Hospital, aimed at strengthening governance, improving operational standards and ensuring a higher quality of service for animal care.
The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with MCAST, with the aim of improving coordination between institutions and making better use of existing facilities.
The hospital will function as a public service and will include a 24-hour emergency component, ensuring continuous access to veterinary care, particularly in urgent and specialised cases that require dedicated clinical support.
The Specialised Unit will be overseen by a Board composed of representatives from both relevant Ministries.
This Board will be responsible for strategic direction, oversight and monitoring of the hospital’s operations. It will also ensure that the service remains aligned with Government policy and the broader public interest.
While strategic oversight will remain within the public sector, the day-to-day running of the hospital will be entrusted to a private operator with proven experience in veterinary services, operating under a clearly defined contract.
The Specialised Unit will maintain continuous monitoring of performance and compliance, ensuring accountability and service quality. This hybrid model is intended to balance operational efficiency with strong public oversight.
A key feature of the initiative is the educational role of the hospital. It will serve as a training centre for MCAST students, particularly those studying veterinary-related courses. Students will have the opportunity to gain hands-on clinical experience in a real hospital environment, strengthening practical skills and improving future employability within the sector.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Anton Refalo said that the project reflects the Government’s commitment to strengthening veterinary services through a modern and sustainable system.
He stated that it places citizens’ and animal owners’ needs at the centre while ensuring long-term resilience in the sector. He also highlighted that the initiative builds on veterinary emergency services launched earlier this year, which are already delivering rapid responses in urgent situations.
Minister Refalo added that the new hospital will expand capacity and improve the overall standard of care available. He described the project as an example of integrated governance across sectors, aimed at delivering more efficient and sustainable public services.
Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation Clifton Grima emphasised the importance of academic development linked to veterinary training. He referred to ongoing collaboration with a foreign university and confirmed that 15 students are currently following the Veterinary Medicine course at MCAST.
He stated that the Master’s programme is the first of its kind in Malta, allowing students to obtain a veterinary warrant locally while also opening opportunities to work across Europe. He added that the course, launched in 2024, includes comprehensive training in veterinary public health and pharmacology, alongside practical placements that strengthen professional experience.
Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights Alicia Bugeja Said said the initiative demonstrates Government commitment to modern, professional and accessible veterinary services. She stated that it will continue to improve animal welfare standards while ensuring more sustainable and higher-quality care for animals and their owners.
She added that the project represents a significant investment in education and opportunity, particularly for Maltese students who previously had to study abroad to pursue veterinary careers.
According to her, the new system allows students to gain high-level qualifications locally while receiving direct clinical experience, thereby strengthening both the profession and future service provision in Malta.
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