The Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses has called on the government to provide a suitable environment in which midwives can practise their profession.

The union said more and more midwives were suffering from burnout because of a lack of policy and proper structures at work.

“Despite having a warrant to practise and given full autonomy at law, the bureaucratic system at the hospital prevents them from taking professional decisions without the approval of other professionals. Midwives in other countries enjoy far greater respect and autonomy,” the MUMN said.

The union also lamented that the curriculum for student midwives does not include modules on community care even though these are approved by EU directives. Hence, midwives were unable to practise their profession outside the hospital.

On the occasion of the International Day of Midwives, the MUMN thanked these professionals for the sterling work they do.