New scheme launched to provide 24/7 emergency vet service
The scheme will be implemented until the Ta’Qali animal hospital reopens
While Malta is left with no animal hospital, a new scheme will be launched offering 24/7 emergency vet services from various licensed clinics.
In a press statement sent on Tuesday, the Animal Rights Ministry said the scheme, in collaboration with the Veterinary Surgeons Council, comes after an assessment of the situation regarding the veterinary services provided in Malta.
Currently, the Ta’ Qali Animal Hospital, which provided emergency services during hours when veterinary services are usually unavailable, closed back in 2023, after several machines suffered extensive damage from a power surge.
Last year, MCAST was awarded a concession to run the facility and use it for its Master’s Programme in Veterinary Medicine, in collaboration with the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) of Spain. The Education Minister said the hospital is due to open at the end of 2025.
The service will be offered in three regions- Gozo, the Northern region of Malta and the southern region. Licensed clinics in the regions will be invited to participate through a rotation system.
The service will operate every night from 8.00pm to 8.00am, including on Sunday and public holidays, until the Ta’Qali hospital begins operations.
Licensed veterinary clincs interested in providing emergency services are invited to express their interest in joining the initiative.
All details, including eligibility criteria and service requirements, are available in the Expression of Interest document that can be downloaded from https://vsc.gov.mt/
The statement said the Veterinary Services Council will announce the selected veterinary clinics that will participate in the scheme.
The list of participating clinics will then be published on vsc.gov.mt to ensure transparency and provide clear information to the public about where they can access emergency veterinary care outside regular service hours.