Doctors mulling ‘widespread’ industrial action

Announcing an industrial dispute, the Medical Association of Malta (MAM) today said it is very concerned at the way that the health centres have been allowed to deteriorate.

“Failure to address outstanding issues, continued uncertainty and disruption of leave has led to low morale, an exodus of young specialists and unacceptably long waiting times for sick patients,” MAM said.

The association added that the service has been stretched beyond its limit and can only continue to cope in its current form if downgraded or reformed.

The MAM council warned that if no solution is found it will hold “widespread, effective industrial action.”

Listing a number of problems faced by health centres, MAM highlighted the “opaque and disorganized” vacation leave system in the Mosta health centre which it said is resulting in doctors being denied their leave and losing it. 


Moreover, MAM said fewer GPs are being assigned to front line services than the safe minimum, and less than listed in the collective agreement, in spite of increasing workloads. 


It also said that part-timer workers are facing increased intimidation and insecurity while service doctors have reduced hours and contracts.  


MAM added that people are facing very long waiting times with sick patients told to wait in the same queue as patients who need paperwork.

“All ‘cold’ cases should be given an appointment,” MAM said.

The association also pointed out the crowd control problems in the Floriana Health Centre, where it said unsupervised patients in the waiting area are disturbing consultations and getting into fights.