FunctionsThe International Affairs and Policy Development Directorate (IAPD) is one of the four directorates in the Department for Policy in Health in the Ministry for Health (MFH), within the remit of the Director General Health Policy, who also fulfils the role of Chief Medical Officer. The IAPD acts as a coordination hub for the exchange of health-related external communications reaching the Ministry for Health from key EU Institutions, European Union Member States and International bodies. The IAPD processes communications channelled through the Ministry for European Affairs and Equality (MEAE) and Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion (MFTP) and works in close collaboration with both these ministries on various matters including bilateral relations and agreements, diplomatic visits and preparatory work towards participation in Ministerial, high-level and technical health international events.
Objectives
The key objectives of the IAPD are as follows;
- To act as a stakeholder in the development of policies being led by the specific departments and identify key areas in line with the policies formulated by the Government of the day.
- To promote the advancement of Government policy by sharing developments employed by international best practice; supported by evidence-based information, reflected by consultations with the relevant stakeholders concerned.
- To ensure that all obligations entered into by the Health Ministry, on behalf of Government as a Member State of the EU are adhered to within the set time-frames.
- To promote the development of bilateral activities with other countries, seek opportunities for fostering greater collaboration and ensure compliance with bilateral and multilateral agreements.
Responsibilities
The IAPD is responsible for coordinating Malta’s participation in EU structures and assists in the following processes;
- Preparation of Explanatory Memoranda regarding health-related proposals made by the European Commission
- Drawing up of Instruction Notes required for expert level meetings and the EPSCO meetings
- Coordination in the compilation of questionnaires and responses to consultation initiatives and coordination in the consolidation of Malta’s position in health related areas.
- Responding to queries arising from a wide range of sources including the authorities of other Member States, various EU structures and local and international organizations.
- Coordination of the attendance of public health officials for expert group meetings organised by the European Institutions.
- Coordination of the transposition and notification of EU related legislation and responses to infringement proceedings.
- Providing clearance of non-technical reports to the European Commission.
- Providing information of updates in EU legislation to the relevant MFH departments