The MAM council today declared an industrial dispute with the Ministry for Health and the Ministry for Family and Social Solidarity.

In a statement, the Medical Association of Malta said that in spite of numerous and very serious pending issues affecting all sectors of the medical profession in Malta and Gozo, the MAM-Government collective agreement that expired at the end of December is not being discussed. This has serious implications on the optimum delivery of patient care in view of the increasing demands on the health service.

MAM said it has made it very clear that it will not sign any agreement with the Government about the privatisation of healthcare before the office of the auditor general finalises its investigation and the full contract is published. The Government is proceeding with privatisation regardless of this decision.

Recruitment of specialists in Gozo is being done without adhering to the current collective agreement. The qualifications required for specialist grades, the thorough screening and recruitment process by independent expert boards appointed and scrutinised by PSC according to public service procedure are not being adhered to.

The absence of the established process might compromise patient safety and quality of care.

MAM is giving notice of industrial action affecting all sectors of the medical profession in Malta and Gozo if all pending issues are not satisfactorily resolved by 14th March 2017.