A shortage of pharmacy technicians has led to industrial action, in the form of directives having been issued by the UHM, for their members within the Mater Dei Hospital pharmacy, the Malta Independent has learnt.

A UHM representative speaking with this newsroom highlighted that there was a lack of both grades of pharmacy technicians, an issue he said the UHM has been bringing up for quite some time.

A circular was recently issued to nursing staff at Mater Dei Hospital, informing the nursing staff that while the directives are in place, the online requisition system is being disregarded, as is the pneumatic tube system. In addition, dispensing services are suspended between 10am and 1 pm, except in emergency situations.

The UHM representative explained that a meeting with management was held yesterday, which saw positive discussions, but that one more meeting to conclude is required before the directives are suspended.