The Union Haddiema Maghqudin has directed government pharmacists not to do any work connected to the “pharmacy of your choice” provision. It said it had never been consulted about the agreement for a pharmacy of choice for consumers, though the prime minister had said agreement had been reached with all parties.

From information passed to it by the Health Department, the UHM said, it seemed that the government was not going to improve the working conditions of pharmacists. It added that the Chamber of Pharmacists represented pharmacists who owned pharmacies. The UHM represented pharmacists, who did not know anything about the agreement.

In reply, the Health Division denied that it had employed delaying tactics to meet the UHM over the “pharmacy of your choice” issue.

The Health Director had, on 26 April, following a meeting on the migration plan to Mater Dei Hospital, explained to UHM representatives how the system was to be implemented.

The UHM has asked for a meeting and the date of 1 June has been set. The Health Division said it deplored the UHM’s decision to order industrial action.