Dr Jean-Pierre Farrugia’s introductory assumption is wrong (TMIS, 28 June).

My practice is outside Pembroke; most of my patients reside elsewhere. Furthermore, he seems to be oblivious of the fact that many patients in “northern” areas also rely heavily on Schedule V cards (chronic diseases) and Pink Cards (which nowadays seems to be restricted to diabetic patients rather than the socially underprivileged).

As to the rest of his reply, whether lowering the grades for entry to the MD course will alleviate the shortage of family doctors, time will tell which one of us has predicted the future more accurately.

Since we have clearly deviated from the original subject on sick leave certification, my arguments end here.

Dr Mark Bugeja MD MMCFD

PEMBROKE