MAM says ministerial secretariats interfere in treatment of patients

On Friday, Medical Association of Malta members at health centres fully supported the stand of the MAM council to declare an industrial dispute, insisting that a number of administrative changes at health centres would improve the quality of the service and provide adequate security for staff members.

The increase in the number of doctors and a promised number of administrative changes were welcomed, a MAM statement said yesterday morning.

However, MAM members condemned without reservation the interference from various individuals in ministerial secretariats in the daily running of health centres either directly or indirectly, often insisting that patients without appointments be seen despite various agreements and protocols to the contrary, or that house calls manifestly prohibited by established protocols be performed notwithstanding that they would be against established procedure. This is unfair on patients who have emergency problems and who have to face delays due to overcrowding, and creates chaos within the health centres, often leading to problems with safety and security.

For the above reasons, while welcoming the progress in the negotiations, MAM members have decided not to withdraw the industrial dispute and have authorised the MAM council to issue of trade union directives as from 20 June.

MAM said its members hope that this period will be used by health centre management to put the house in order, and lead by encouraging all members of staff to treat patients fairly and equitably without interference.

PN says interference also present at Mater Dei

In the light of the latest development between MAM and the government regarding the primary healthcare sector, the Nationalist Party yesterday said it deplores such interference, allegedly coming from ministerial secretariats and in certain cases “coming directly from Castille.” This practice is unfortunately spread throughout the healthcare sector. “It is seen not only in the primary care sector, but also within Mater Dei, where it is mostly visible in the Out Patients and emergency wards.”

The PN appealed for discussions to continue in order for industrial action to be avoided, adding that interference from ministerial secretariats must cease immediately.