Malta has less hospital beds than EU average: but comes fourth in beds for the elderly

According to the latest Eurostat report based on 2023 figures, Malta has just up to 400 hospital beds per 100,000 inhabitants, falling short of the EU average of 511 beds. According to official records Malta’s National Hospital, Mater Dei has just up to 1243 beds.

The EU member states with the highest number of hospital beds are Bulgaria with 864 hospital beds per 100 000 people, Germany (766) and Romania (728).  The EU member states with the least amount of hospital beds are Sweden (187), Netherlands (231) and Denmark (233). 

On the other hand, Malta comes high in the list of EU member states with beds for long-term elderly residents. The EU member states with the highest number of beds for the elderly are Netherlands with 1400 beds per 100,000 people, Sweden with 1315 and Belgium (1250). The EU member states with the lowest number of beds for the elderly are Greece (20), Bulgaria (26) and Poland (222).

Malta has 1200 beds for the elderly per 100,000 residents coming fourth in the list after Belgium.

The shortage of beds at Mater Dei is a recurring issue in local politics and the press.

Maltese Herald

Newsroom