No doctor transfers to Vitals until contracts fully published, union warns

The Medical Association of Malta (MAM) has said that it will not commit its members to transfers to Vitals Global Healthcare until a full investigation by the auditor general is completed and the full version of the relative contracts are published.

MAM was reacting to information that a number of hospital employees and members of Union Haddiema Maghqudin (UHM) have been told that they will be transferred to the private company, with major changes in working conditions, without their consent.

While extending support the UHM in “justified industrial actions to protect its members,” MAM warned the health ministry of possible industrial action across the health sectore.

“MAM is publicly warning the health ministry that the introduction of any such measures with its members, in particular non-compliance with sectorial collective agreements, be it in conditions of work, or remuneration, could lead to widespread industrial action in all the health service in Malta and Gozo,” it said in a statement.

MAM also criticised VGH saying that the company has gained €16 million but has not produced any change in infrastructure to the three hospitals it has taken over. “[VGH] has given tens of thousands in salaries to a handful of individuals with no clear benefit to patients,” MAM added.

VGH became the private operators of the Gozo, St Luke’s and Karin Grech hospitals after being chosen as the preferred bidder in June 2015 for the public-private partnership.

It will be spending €220 million in a total revamp of the three hospitals, for a 30-year concession.