In a statement, Opposition Health spokesman Michael Farrugia said there was a very low stock of gauze, plasters, bandages and gloves. “This is apart from shortages of various medicines and equipment. Whatever the reasons, this situation is unacceptable,” said Dr Farrugia. He also said it was scandalous that patients had to buy such items themselves from private pharmacies.

“Hospitals are in the ridiculous situation where they are having to use tissues or sterilised gauze rather than normal gauze (which is cheaper) to mop up body fluids,” he said.

He said that during operations, dressings were being held in place by underwear. “Certain lengths of bandages are not available and so longer lengths have to be used. And hospital employees end up having to use sterilised gloves for jobs that do not require them simply because normal ones are not available,” said Dr Falzon.

The Nationalist government is obliged to ensure that patients are treated better and should ensure that such incidents do not repeat themselves.

“They should also inform the people of the reasons behind the current situation. However, I take my hat off to all medics and nurses for continuing to do their duty, even in these conditions,” concluded Dr Farrugia.