Malta Achieves Lowest Leg Amputation Rate In Europe Thanks To Preventive Care Drive
Positive results in the health sector continue, with Malta achieving the lowest rate of leg amputations in Europe during the year 2024. This was announced by the Minister for Health and Active Ageing, Jo Etienne Abela.
Minister Abela stated that last year, only 52 leg amputation procedures were performed in Malta, compared to over 130 in previous years. He explained that this represents a reduction of more than 62% in such interventions.
He emphasised that this achievement is the result of the efforts of a well-trained, dedicated multidisciplinary team. The Government remains committed to further investing in vascular training, more advanced equipment, and preventive care to strengthen this excellent record.
The Minister highlighted that, when comparing Malta’s statistics with those of other European countries, Malta recorded 10 leg amputation procedures per 100,000 people. In contrast, other European nations report more than double that figure, reaching over 20 interventions per 100,000 people.
Minister Abela reiterated that this success is due to substantial improvements in care services—both in the community through podiatry services and in hospitals via enhanced radiological and imaging services, as well as care within the vascular surgery field.
“We have an excellent team that has been working for years to achieve this result. Today, we also launched a new community clinic in Ħamrun, where tissue viability nurses, wound care nurses and vascular surgeons will be working together to maintain and even improve these outcomes,” he said.
“I would like to thank the team of professionals in both Malta and Gozo who work every day to prevent these interventions. The Government is committed to continuing its investment in preventive healthcare, both in hospitals and within our communities. Through the Malta 2050 Vision, we will ensure the ongoing improvement and protection of the health and quality of life of all Maltese and Gozitans,” concluded Minister Abela.