Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health Ian Borg has held a series of meetings with Turkish government officials and healthcare industry representatives in Istanbul, aimed at strengthening cooperation between Malta and Turkey in healthcare, medical technology and innovation.
Dr Borg attended the 12th Turkish Medical World Congress at the invitation of Turkish Health Minister Professor Dr Kemal Memişoğlu. During the visit, he addressed the congress and met representatives from the healthcare sector to explore opportunities for further collaboration.
Focus on Medical Technology and Innovation
In his address, Dr Borg highlighted the importance of international cooperation and knowledge-sharing between healthcare professionals, researchers, institutions and countries.
He emphasised that advances in medicine and technology should translate into better, more accessible healthcare that responds to patients' needs.
The congress examined developments shaping the future of healthcare, including artificial intelligence, new diagnostic and treatment technologies, personalised medicine and clinical research.
Discussions also covered disease prevention, obesity, cancer care and the development of hospitals using advanced technologies.
Healthcare Projects in Malta
The discussions took place as Malta continues work on several healthcare infrastructure and digitalisation projects.
These include the expansion of Mater Dei Hospital's Emergency Department, where works have already begun, other projects at hospitals and healthcare institutions, and improvements to digital healthcare systems.
According to the government, the meetings provided an opportunity for the Maltese delegation to learn more about Turkey's experience in these areas.
Dr Borg and the Maltese delegation also visited a major hospital in Istanbul as part of the programme.
Talks with Turkish Health Officials
During the visit, Dr Borg held his first official meeting with Turkish Health Minister Professor Dr Kemal Memişoğlu, discussing opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation in healthcare.
He also met other ministers and continued discussions with Turkish Deputy Health Minister Dr Şuayip Birinci and members of the delegation that had visited Malta the previous week.
Dr Borg said the Istanbul meetings built on discussions already held in Malta and provided an opportunity to exchange experiences, particularly in digital health, innovation and healthcare infrastructure.
Meetings with Healthcare Industry Representatives
The Deputy Prime Minister was accompanied by Permanent Secretary Renzo DeGabriele and Malta's Ambassador to Turkey, Dr Marisa Farrugia.
The delegation also met companies and industry representatives involved in the development and management of healthcare facilities and digital healthcare systems.
The visit formed part of efforts to explore international expertise and potential partnerships relevant to Malta's ongoing healthcare projects.
Source: Government of Malta, Department of Information — Press Release PR261832, 31 October 2026.
