Pharmacists and pharma-technicians in the outpatients pharmacy were told yesterday to begin working to rule due to the increasing workload and staff shortages, according to the Health Services Section of the Union Haddiema Maghqudin.

Section secretary Joseph Bonello said he had had several meetings with pharmacists and pharma-technicians working in government pharmacies who had complained about the difficult working environment and lack of staff.

The section was constantly making proposals aimed at helping those who were still working in government pharmacies, said Mr Bonello, pointing out that the number of people entitled to free medicine was constantly on the increase.