The Medical Association of Malta (MAM) has strongly condemned the physical attack on the cardiac surgeon Mr Alex Manche.

In a statement, MAM expressed the solidarity of the whole medical profession with Mr Manche, who was attacked while performing his duties.

“While MAM appreciates that the authorities took immediate legal action against the alleged aggressors, it notes with regret that this is not the first episode of aggression against doctors who were diligently performing their duties.

“MAM has repeatedly called on to the authorities to deal effectively with this problem. Indeed widespread cigarette smoking within the hospital building remains a sad reflection of the willingness to enforce the law in the country.”

The association said that there had to be a concerted effort to eradicate the mentality of using verbal abuse and aggression with those providing services in the health sector.