The Malta National Poisons Centre provides immediate professional advice and support in cases of overdose or exposure to toxic substances.

Call us if you, or someone close to you, have come into contact with a poison or a substance that could potentially cause harm, whether this happened accidentally or intentionally.

A poison is any substance that can cause harm to the body. Contrary to popular belief, almost any substance can be poisonous if taken in excess. This includes medicines, drugs, household and industrial chemicals, batteries, toxic fumes, plants, and poisonous animals such as insects and jellyfish.

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Our service is available to everyone, including members of the public and healthcare professionals.

Our helpline is open every day, including Sundays and public holidays, from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Please provide information about the substance involved, the amount taken or the extent of the exposure, and the time of exposure. We will also ask for details about the person exposed, such as age and weight, to accurately assess the risk and provide adequate advice.

If the exposure occurs outside of helpline hours, go to a health centre or the Emergency Department, depending on the severity of the situation. Clinical Toxicologists are available 24 hours a day to support doctors working in these services.

Yes. If you suspect poisoning while abroad, you can still contact us for guidance on the appropriate steps to take. In such cases, you can call us on +356 2559 4600.

Food poisoning is usually caused by bacteria and often requires medical evaluation and treatment with antibiotics. In this case, it is best to consult your doctor. However, if in doubt, you can still call us.