National 1400 medical assistance helpline launched for those aged 16-69

by Gozo News · May 28, 2025

A new national helpline number 1400 has been launched, which will be available 24/7, announced Minister for Health and Active Ageing Jo Etienne Abela.

The aim of the helpline is so that patients who need urgent, non-emergency medical assistance can use this number to be guided to where they can best receive the best care, close to their home and in the shortest possible time.

It was explained how the first phase of this project began at the beginning of the year, where hospital professionals began referring patients to private hospitals with the patient being served in the shortest possible time. The second phase then saw family doctors make use of this number and be guided to where they can best refer their patients.

Now, through this phase, the Ministry said that people between the ages of 16 and 69 can make use of the 1400 helpline “where they will be diagnosed by professionals and guided to where the necessary care can best be given. In the event that a person calls the 1400 helpline and it is an emergency, this call will still be directed to the Emergency Department.”

Minister Jo Etienne Abela said that through this launch, the third phase of this project is coming into effect. He explained how it is expected that “around 50 people per day who usually resort to the Emergency Department, will now be able to be treated in private hospitals, at the expense of the Government.”

“This is a measure that we have been working on for the past few months. We have always stressed that it is important to pool our resources to ensure that the patient is treated without delay and that the patient receives this treatment safely,” said Minister Abela.

He continued by saying that this project is a “testament to the Government’s commitment to protecting the patient’s health and at the same time those who need urgent care will have to wait less. While those who are in an emergency condition or even require life-or-death treatment, will be given more focused care.”

“I thank all the professionals who have worked tirelessly so that today we are offering this platform to our citizens. The Government will continue to work to continue offering a safe and expedited service through which we improve not only the care offered, but also the patient’s quality of life,” concluded the Minister.