Malta Health Network

EU Legislative Interests

Malta Health Network (MHN) primarily engages with EU policies and legislative proposals that affect patient rights, healthcare systems, and public health. The main areas targeted include the EU Pharmaceutical Strategy, the European Health Data Space (EHDS), and legislation related to rare diseases, cross-border healthcare (Directive 2011/24/EU), and patients' rights and safety. MHN also follows initiatives under EU4Health, the European Pillar of Social Rights, and actions related to chronic disease management, digital health, health literacy, and access to medicines and care. The organisation provides input to consultations and collaborates with the European Patients’ Forum and other EU-level platforms to represent the patient perspective from Malta.

Communication Activities

Malta Health Network (MHN) undertakes a range of communication activities to support and disseminate EU health policies and ensure that patients in Malta are informed and engaged. MHN organises public forums, stakeholder meetings, and training workshops that focus on EU health priorities such as the European Health Data Space, cross-border healthcare rights, and access to medicines under the EU Pharmaceutical Strategy. It actively participates in campaigns and awareness events linked to rare diseases, digital health, and patient safety, often in collaboration with the European Patients’ Forum and other EU networks. MHN also publishes newsletters, reports, and policy briefs to update its members and stakeholders on developments in EU health legislation and advocates through media appearances, social media campaigns, and educational materials that reflect EU-level health initiatives. Additionally, MHN contributes to and disseminates outcomes from EU-funded projects, including those under EU4Health, with the aim of strengthening civil society’s understanding and involvement in shaping European health policy.

Interests Represented

Does not represent commercial interests

Member Of

Malta Health Network (MHN) is actively involved in various national and European bodies to strengthen its advocacy efforts and promote patient-centred healthcare. MHN is a member of the following organisations, associations, and networks: European Patients’ Forum (EPF) European Disability Forum (EDF) Rare Diseases Europe (EURORDIS) European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) European Health Policy Platform Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS) Alleanza Kontra l-Faqar (Alliance Against Poverty) In addition to its memberships, MHN collaborates closely with key national stakeholders such as the Ministry for Health, the Parliamentary Secretariat for Persons with Disability and Active Ageing, and academic institutions including the University of Malta. MHN also partners with other patient organisations, healthcare providers, and EU-funded project consortia to advance shared goals in areas such as chronic disease management, rare diseases, and digital health innovation. Further details about our partnerships and affiliations can be found on our website: www.maltahealthnetwork.org/partnerships

Organisation Members

Malta Health Network (MHN) is an umbrella organisation composed of a wide range of Maltese patient groups and health-related NGOs. Its membership includes organisations representing patients with chronic illnesses, rare diseases, disabilities, and other health-related conditions, as well as groups focused on public health and wellbeing. A full and updated list of MHN’s member organisations and affiliated entities can be found on our website at: https://www.maltahealthnetwork.org/members/