Sustainability of the Maltese health sector : an analysis

Abstract

This study consists of an analysis of the operation of the Maltese health sector and its viability in the long term. The research is largely qualitative focusing on a review of literature both international and local. Sources also included online newspapers and articles. The research is further strengthened by interviews with high ranking public officials and researchers who are involved in the sector. Ten semi-structured interviews were held with professionals involved in health strategy setting, medical service provision, hospital management and financial control activities. The study assesses whether the current financing of the sector provides the necessary resources and economic incentives to ensure a sustainable, relevant and smooth operation of the Maltese health system. The World Commission on Environment and Development considered development to be sustainable when: "it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" (Brundtland. 1987, p.11). Olsen suggested from Knippenberg et al. (1990) that to increase sustainability of the healthcare service is to increase the effectiveness and reduce as much as possible the cost of primary health care. In the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) policy review document Olsen quoted that: "Sustainability is seen as the ability of the system to produce benefits valued sufficiently by users and stakeholders to ensure enough resources to continue activities with long-term benefits." (Olsen. 1998, p.289). Olsen (1998) continues to stresses out that for a health service to be sustainable it has to allocate sufficient resources for activities to address the individual or public health needs.