The MAM doctors' union said that the strike it had ordered for today was a success, with almost all its members obeying its directives.
The strike was ordered over the way St Luke's, Karin Grech and Gozo Hospitals were transferred to Steward Healthcare, in what, the MAM says, is a breach of the doctors' collective agreement. Steward took over a concession initially given to Vitals Global Healthcare.
General Secretary Martin Balzan told The Malta Independent that the doctors “overwhelmingly supported” the union’s directives.
The union is expected to have another meeting with the government on Wednesday.
In a statement, MAM said there was overwhelming support from its members, who decided to observe all of its directives issued at Mater Dei hospital, health centers, Karen Grech hospital and Gozo general hospital.
All clinics which were exempted from the directives were functioning normally, namely the oncology, maternity, and the emergency departments.
MAM noted that hospital management is reappointing patients in the near future.
MAM thanked patients for their understanding of the situation.
Accident and Emergency doctors, in photo with MAM's Martin Balzan, who were exempted from the directives, this morning expressed their full support for MAM.
Doctors on strike today