The Government is continuing to strengthen veterinary services in our country, particularly those related to small domestic animals, through the introduction of a dedicated emergency transport service from Gozo to Malta, to ensure full and effective access to veterinary care at all times.
This step builds on the recent launch of the National Veterinary Emergency Service, which has already introduced a 24-hour emergency line, support to participating clinics, as well as a dedicated clinic in Fgura that operates outside normal hours. In addition, the Government is also offering a refund on consultations in genuine emergency cases.
Despite this progress, a gap has been identified in terms of access to these services from Gozo, particularly outside normal hours, on Sundays and public holidays. This situation has been creating difficulties for owners of small pets who require urgent care in Malta. Accordingly, the Government is introducing an emergency transport service that operates on standby outside normal hours from a location in Gozo. This offers a service to Gozitan residents and allows for efficient mobilisation so that animals are transferred to the clinic in Malta in a timely manner.
This means that there is now a coordinated system that starts from a call to the helpline, for immediate guidance and assessment of the situation, followed by access to the clinic and safe and rapid transport where necessary from the island of Gozo.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Anton Refalo said that this development shows how the Government is addressing concrete realities with practical solutions. He maintained that the aim is to ensure that no owner of a small pet is left alone in moments of emergency, regardless of where they live. He added that this service is essential so that animals receive timely care, which is often crucial.
This initiative continues to strengthen the principle of equal access to public services, by ensuring that citizens living in Gozo have the same care opportunities as those in Malta, at all times of the day.
Minister Refalo concluded by saying that this is a clear example of how the Government is investing not only in infrastructure, but also in services and coordination in order to create systems that really work and deliver tangible results. He stressed that through these measures, the Government is ensuring that emergency veterinary care is not only available, but also accessible.
Photo: MAFA
