The third annual thematic lecture brought together international and Maltese experts to discuss prevention, treatment, care, mental health policy and the importance of protecting human dignity.

A national discussion on mental health

The Office of the Parliamentary Ombudsman, in collaboration with the House of Representatives, organised its third annual thematic lecture on 29 October 2026 in the Plenary Hall of the Parliament of Malta. This year's lecture focused on "Mental health risks and concerns: strategic goals and best practices for prevention, treatment and care".

The event, hosted by the Parliamentary Ombudsman, Judge Joseph Zammit McKeon, and presided over by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon. Carmelo Abela, brought together leading international and Maltese experts in psychiatry, primary care, public health and mental health policy.

The lecture provided a forum to examine mental health from clinical, institutional and societal perspectives. The discussions addressed prevention and early intervention, access to treatment, the development of community-based services, the importance of reducing stigma, the relationship between mental and physical health, and the need for public policies that safeguard the rights and dignity of persons experiencing mental health difficulties.

The event attracted considerable interest and was fully booked. Participants included Members of Parliament, Permanent Secretaries, Chief Executive Officers of public entities, Directors and Heads of Department, senior healthcare professionals, academics, representatives of non-governmental organisations and civil society, and persons occupying senior managerial and decision-making positions.

The broad representation reflected the growing recognition that mental health extends beyond the healthcare sector and requires coordinated responses from public institutions, professionals, families, workplaces and society.

Speaker of the House of Representatives: mental health as a shared societal responsibility

 

In his opening address, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon. Carmelo Abela, emphasised that mental health is fundamental to personal and societal well-being. He called for greater awareness, accessible support services and stronger collaboration among public institutions, healthcare professionals, families and communities.

Mr Speaker observed that, despite greater public understanding, stigma and prejudice continue to discourage persons from seeking assistance. He stressed the importance of encouraging open conversations about mental health and developing a culture in which mental health receives the same attention and importance as physical health.

He also highlighted prevention and early intervention as essential components of effective mental healthcare, together with an integrated, person-centred approach that safeguards the rights, dignity and well-being of those experiencing mental health difficulties.

Referring to the pressures faced by persons in public life, including Members of Parliament and healthcare professionals, Mr Speaker emphasised that mental health challenges can affect anyone, irrespective of their responsibilities or professional position.

His address also considered wider factors influencing mental health, including workplace pressures, technological developments, gaming and gambling, and environmental conditions.

Parliamentary Ombudsman: mental health services must be designed around the person

The Parliamentary Ombudsman, Judge Joseph Zammit McKeon, placed human dignity, accessibility and institutional responsibility at the centre of his address.

He emphasised that mental health should be regarded as a concern for society as a whole, extending beyond the treatment of illness to the creation of conditions that allow persons to recognise distress, seek support and receive appropriate care.

The Ombudsman observed that statistics, while important, can sometimes conceal the human realities behind mental health difficulties. He referred to persons experiencing anxiety, depression, loneliness, work-related stress and other challenges that may not always be visible to others.

He argued that the response to mental health must extend beyond recognising illness and providing treatment. Society must also develop the capacity to identify difficulties early, respond appropriately and accompany persons through recovery.

Prevention before crisis

The Ombudsman devoted particular attention to prevention, emphasising the responsibility of public institutions to identify risks and provide support before difficulties escalate.

Speaking from the perspective of an independent constitutional oversight institution, he raised questions about whether schools provide safe environments for children to express their difficulties, whether workplaces adequately recognise human limitations, whether older persons have opportunities for meaningful social participation, and whether public services are sufficiently accessible to persons experiencing mental health challenges.

He identified excessive workloads, bullying, discrimination, insecurity and social isolation as factors that can negatively affect psychological well-being.

These considerations, he explained, may require adjustments in policy and administration to strengthen protective measures and ensure that public services respond to persons' circumstances and needs.

From listening to meaningful action

Another central message of the Ombudsman's address concerned the importance of listening and responding.

While encouraging persons to speak openly about their mental health is essential, he emphasised that doing so creates a corresponding responsibility for institutions, professionals and society to listen and act.

He argued that compassion and understanding must be accompanied by practical measures that enable persons to obtain the assistance they require.

The Ombudsman highlighted the importance of primary healthcare and community-based services, which can help persons access support at an earlier stage and maintain their connections with family, employment and community life.

He stressed that accessibility should be understood in practical terms, including affordability, reasonable waiting times and services that persons can navigate and use effectively.

Central to this approach was his message that "The system must be designed around the person", rather than expecting persons to adapt to the system's operational priorities and requirements.

Human dignity and the right to appropriate care

The Parliamentary Ombudsman also addressed the relationship between mental health, fundamental rights and human dignity.

He stressed that mental health difficulties must never diminish the protection of a person's rights. Access to appropriate care, protection against degrading treatment and freedom from discrimination must remain central to mental health services.

He advocated person-centred, rights-based and recovery-oriented care, recognising that recovery extends beyond managing symptoms. It also involves rebuilding relationships, regaining autonomy, returning to education or employment, and restoring hope and purpose.

The Ombudsman also highlighted the important role of families and carers, whose emotional and practical responsibilities require recognition and support.

He concluded by calling for a shift from awareness towards meaningful social and institutional responsibility:

"We have to move on from awareness to caring behaviour and responsibility."

His address reinforced the role of the Office of the Ombudsman in promoting good administration, safeguarding human dignity and encouraging public institutions to place the needs and rights of persons at the centre of service delivery.