In a recent interview with MeetInc, Matthew Gatt, the CEO of Mint Health, shared insights into his journey and the growth of Mint Health, a leading distributor of pharmaceuticals and wellness products in Malta.

Over the years, Mint Health has expanded its operations to include a chain of pharmacies, establishing itself as a key player in the Maltese healthcare sector.

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Early Challenges and Vision

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Reflecting on the early years, Matthew acknowledged the significant challenges he faced. “The early years took a lot outta me,” he admitted. Despite these hurdles, his vision for a sustainable company never wavered. “I had no brands. I had nothing, no real strategy. So all I wanted was a sustainable company.” Today, Mint Health is a thriving entity with a team of 50 people, supplying pharmaceuticals and wellness products to pharmacies across Malta.

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A Holistic Approach to Health

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Mint Health’s slogan, “Your health is our world,” encapsulates its commitment to a holistic approach to health. Matthew emphasiaed the importance of both pharmaceuticals and wellness products. “There is a divide between pharma and wellness, where herbs and naturals are the new trend. We believe that both are needed.” This approach promotes a life that is preventive rather than curative, supported by strong educational programs that address a holistic approach to health.

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Navigating Market Challenges

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Operating in a small country like Malta presents unique challenges. Matthew highlighted the difficulty suppliers and manufacturers face when entering such a specific market. “The local distributors are very hungry and creative in the way we bring brands to Malta,” he noted. Despite these challenges, Mint Health has managed to build a large portfolio for the local market, ensuring patients benefit from a wide range of products.

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Innovation During the Pandemic

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The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges but also opportunities for innovation. Faced with a sanitiser shortage, Mint Health collaborated with scientists to manufacture WHO-approved sanitisers. “We got people from the tourism industry, bottles from one place, and labels designed from another,” Matthew recounted. This initiative not only addressed the immediate need but also supported various sectors affected by the pandemic.

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Focus on Personalised Medicine

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Looking to the future, Matthew highlighted the growing importance of personalized medicine. “We need to be focusing a lot on personalised medicine where a 50-year-old, 50-kilogram woman and a 50-year-old, 100-kilogram man can’t be taking the same dose.” The trend towards personalized medicine, driven by genetic research, promises to revolutionize healthcare by ensuring the right person gets the right product and dose

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Building a Strong Team and Culture

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A strong company culture is at the heart of Mint Health’s success. “We’re a very young team, very energetic, and we love doing what we do,” Matthew said. He emphasized the importance of a culture of care, where employees are encouraged to do what they love. This culture of no ego and having fun during work has attracted talent from 18 different nationalities, fostering a dynamic and diverse workplace.

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Commitment to Education and Training

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Mint Health’s dedication to education is evident through initiatives like the Mint Academy, which offers pharmacy students hands-on experience in various roles. “We bring them here to experience a day in the life of sales, quality, business development, and community pharmacy settings,” Matthew explained. This approach not only educates students but also opens up new career opportunities for them.

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Expanding Retail Operations

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Since 2018, Mint Health has expanded into the retail sector by acquiring pharmacies and forming the company Minka. Despite initial reservations about retail, the company now owns multiple pharmacies, rebranded under the name Honest Pharmacy. “We don’t want to just be a pharmacy that retails medicine but offer innovative products and services,” Matthew stated.

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Looking Ahead

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Matthew Gatt’s leadership has seen Mint Health grow from a small startup to a leading distributor and retailer in Malta’s healthcare sector. His commitment to innovation, personalized medicine, and a strong company culture continues to drive the company forward.

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For more information about Mint Health and its services, visit their official website.