Just a month before Mater Dei Hospital is scheduled to open officially, the Medical Association of Malta (MAM) is increasing pressure on the government, claiming it “would not be wise” to begin the migration process to the new hospital before negotiations regarding

doctors’ working conditions are concluded.

The MAM held an extraordinary general meeting on Monday and is hoping to conclude negotiations with the government as soon as possible, said MAM secretary-general Martin Balzan.

Contacted by The Malta Independent yesterday, Dr Balzan said that while agreement has been reached on certain matters, the crucial issue is mainly doctors’ working conditions at the new hospital.

There are more operating theatres at Mater Dei Hospital than there are at St Luke’s and there could be the possibility of operations being performed in the afternoon, said Dr Balzan, adding that it was important to make full use of the new hospital’s potential for the benefit of both doctors and patients.

“We are confident that we will reach an agreement regarding doctors’ conditions, as long as there is a certain degree of goodwill,” he said.

Dr Balzan added that the MAM was also insisting on the need for structured training for junior doctors and prospects of career progression for established doctors.

The way things currently stand, junior doctors are forced to specialise abroad and this factor is contributing to the brain drain in the sector, he said.

Contacted for comment on the MAM’s position, a spokesman from the Health, Community Care and the Elderly Ministry said it was in the interests of both the government and the MAM, that negotiations are concluded as quickly as possible, but he stopped short of commenting on the reason for the process being delayed.