Imagine this: Dr. Maria, a Maltese doctor specialising in cardiology at a bustling London hospital, receives her monthly salary. But instead of the usual figure, she sees a significant increase. Why? Because the Maltese government has just made good on its promise to support local medical professionals working abroad.

A Salary Boost for Our Docs Abroad

The Maltese government has announced a scheme that will see doctors specialising in the UK receive their full Maltese salary on top of their UK earnings. This move, aimed at retaining our top medical talent, was first hinted at in the 2021 Budget and has now been given the green light.

Health Minister Chris Fearne, speaking at a press conference outside the Mater Dei Hospital in Msida, confirmed the scheme will kick in from January 2022. “We want to ensure that our doctors, who have chosen to specialise abroad, are not left behind financially,” he said.

How It Works: A Double Salary

Here’s the nitty-gritty. Doctors specialising in the UK will receive their full Maltese salary, currently around €2,500, on top of their UK earnings. The scheme is open to all Maltese doctors specialising in the UK, regardless of their specialty or the length of their contract.

To qualify, doctors must have been registered with the Maltese Medical Council for at least five years and have a valid UK GMC registration. They will need to apply for the scheme through the Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST).

Retaining Talent, Boosting Care

This initiative is part of a wider strategy to retain Maltese medical talent and boost healthcare services at home. With the UK’s NHS under pressure, many Maltese doctors have chosen to specialise there. But with this new scheme, they might be tempted to return, or at least maintain a connection with Malta.

Prof. Alex Dimech, a Maltese doctor working in London, welcomed the news. “This is a significant step forward. It shows the government’s commitment to supporting Maltese doctors abroad and encouraging us to give back to our home country,” he said.

But it’s not just about retaining talent. The scheme could also boost care here in Malta. With more doctors choosing to work here, or splitting their time between Malta and the UK, our healthcare services could see a much-needed boost.