The animal hospital at Ta’ Qali set to play a key role in the training of Malta’s future veterinarians following an extensive refurbishment and investment in modern equipment that will allow the facility to serve both as a veterinary hospital and a practical teaching centre for MCAST students.The upgraded facility is expected to begin welcoming students from the next academic year, providing hands-on clinical training for those enrolled in the Master of Science in Veterinary Medicine and the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Animal Management and Veterinary Nursing programmes. It will also operate as an animal hospital. Minister for Education and Sport Byron Camilleri, accompanied by MCAST officials, visited the hospital to review the final stages of the works ahead of its opening for student training. View this post on InstagramA post shared by Lovin Malta (@lovinmalta)Describing the project as an important investment in educational infrastructure, Minister Camilleri said the facility will enable MCAST to provide high-quality clinical and practical training in veterinary medicine.“Through this animal hospital, we are investing in the infrastructure needed for MCAST to deliver the highest level of clinical and practical veterinary training. Students will gain professional hands-on experience in veterinary care, from diagnostic procedures to surgical interventions on animals,” he said.The upgraded facility comes after a prolonged closure that left Malta without its only 24-hour animal hospital. The Ta’ Qali hospital shut its doors in August 2023 following damage caused by a power surge, prompting repeated calls from animal welfare organisations and pet owners for its reopening. Government officials have previously stated that the hospital is expected to reopen following extensive infrastructure upgrades and investment in new equipment. Despite promises to be opened in 2025 and 2024, the hospital’s doors have since remained closed.The hospital is expected to become an integral part of the veterinary programmes offered by MCAST, particularly as students advance through the five-year Master’s degree and undertake more specialised clinical training. Working under professional supervision, students will have the opportunity to engage directly with animals and real clinical cases, gaining valuable experience in diagnostics, treatment procedures, medical care and surgery.The initiative forms part of wider efforts to strengthen veterinary education in Malta. Minister Camilleri noted that these programmes were unavailable locally only a few years ago, requiring aspiring veterinarians to pursue their studies abroad. Through government investment and institutional development, MCAST has since built the expertise and partnerships necessary to offer internationally recognised veterinary training in Malta.A key element of this success has been MCAST’s collaboration with the University of Barcelona, which continues to expand. The partnership recently enabled the first group of Maltese veterinary students to undertake a month of clinical training at the Spanish university, giving them exposure to international best practices and advanced veterinary settings.Minister Camilleri also pointed to the increasing demand for veterinary services and welcomed the strong interest shown by students. He noted that enrolment figures have been encouraging and that applications for the programmes have increased further this year.MCAST Principal and CEO Stephen Vella said the investment reflects the institution’s commitment to creating new opportunities for students while responding to the country’s workforce needs.“As we prepare for a new academic year, we must continue creating new opportunities for our students,” Vella said. “Our investment in veterinary studies is part of this commitment, giving students the opportunity to study, train and gain practical experience in Malta while preparing for a profession that our country needs.”The first cohort of students enrolled in the Master of Science in Veterinary Medicine programme is expected to graduate in 2029. Upon completion of their studies, graduates will be eligible to obtain a professional warrant recognised both in Malta and across the European Union, opening the door to veterinary careers at home and abroad.•