Malta gained four places in a European study that assessed healthcare systems performance in 35 countries.
The European health consumer index for 2015, published by the Health Consumer Powerhouse, describes the island’s healthcare system as having “decent accessibility” but not being “too strong on treatment results”.
Malta now ranks 23rd after its healthcare system was awarded 663 points out of a maximum 1,000. In 2014, Malta had scored 582 points.
“There’s more to be done but our efforts are being recognised. This result shows that Malta is now on the right track,” Health Parliamentary Secretary Chris Fearne said in a statement.
The healthcare system lost most points in the category of analysing patient rights and information.
According to the study, Malta and Sweden were the only two countries that had not introduced legislation covering patients’ rights. Other weaknesses listed in the report were waiting times for major elective surgeries, which, it was noted, could exceed 90 days and the number of hours of physical education in schools.
Mr Fearne said the government would continue working to improve the system adding that the weaknesses highlighted in the report would be addressed.
The healthcare system in Malta won points for providing cancer treatment in less than 21 days, access to family doctors, dental health, liver transplants and long-term care for the elderly.
“Among other things, we will be focusing on a patient charter and e-prescriptions, which, according to the report, are areas where our system is still weak,” Mr Fearne said.
The index analyses national healthcare systems on the basis of 48 indicators, looking into areas such as patient rights and information, access to care, treatment outcomes, range and reach of services, prevention and use of pharmaceuticals.
The Netherlands retained top position and was the only country to score more than 900 points (916). It has ranked at the top three since 2005. Switzerland’s healthcare system followed, with 894 points, and Norway won 854 points, placing third.