Author
Article 13(2) of the International Protection Act states that asylum-seekers shall have access to state medical care, with little additional information provided. The Reception Regulations further stipulate that the material reception conditions should ensure the health of all asylum-seekers, yet no specification is provided as to the level of health care that should be guaranteed. The Regulations specify that applicants shall be provided with emergency health care and essential treatment of illness and serious mental disorders.[1]
Asylum-seekers outside of detention centres may access the state health services, with the main obstacles being linked to language difficulties.
Limited specialised services exist in Malta for victims of torture or trauma, primarily owing to the lack of such capacity on the island.
Decisions to reduce or withdraw material reception conditions would not affect access to health care.
[1] Regulation 11(2) of the Reception Regulations, Subsidiary Legislation 420.06 of the Laws of Malta.