The impact of demographic changes in Malta on health and the health system over the past two decades

Abstract

Population growth, ageing, changing fertility patterns and net immigration within the working age group have characterised the demographic transformation in Malta over the last twenty years. Life expectancy has continued to increase and is above the EU average. However population growth and ageing were associated with an increase in morbidity and healthcare usage resulting in increased demand on the healthcare system. Net immigration has been associated with an increase in the cultural diversity of the population and has had an impact on the epidemiology of various conditions. Planning and delivery of health care services needs to become more targeted to meet the needs of diverse communities within the population in order to maintain and continue to build on the healthcare gains achieved so far.