Minister for Health and Active Ageing Jo Etienne Abela has officially announced the launch of a new national medical helpline: 1400. The line will be available 24/7 and is intended for individuals who need urgent but non-emergency medical assistance.

The helpline will provide immediate guidance on where to receive the most appropriate care — close to home and in the shortest time possible.

This marks the third phase of a project that began earlier this year. The first phase saw hospital professionals referring patients to private hospitals, helping them get treated faster. In the second phase, family doctors began using the number to guide patient referrals more effectively.

Now, with the latest rollout, anyone aged between 16 and 69 can call 1400 to speak to medical professionals, receive a diagnosis, and get directed to the best available care option. If the situation turns out to be a true emergency, the call will be immediately forwarded to the Emergency Department.

Minister Abela noted that this measure is expected to redirect around 50 people per day who would otherwise visit the emergency department, toward private hospitals at no cost to the patient, with costs covered by the government.

“This is a measure we’ve been working on for months,” the Minister said. “We’ve always stressed the importance of joining forces across the healthcare system to ensure patients receive safe, timely, and efficient care.”

He added that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to both protecting patients’ health and reducing waiting times, ensuring that those who truly require emergency or life-saving treatment receive more focused care.

For more information, citizens are encouraged to call 1400 or consult with their doctor about the new service.

#MaltaDaily