I have read the report about a particular mayor accompanying a nurse/health worker on her rounds, giving influenza injections to people in their home. The Department of Local Councils is claiming that there does not seem to be any rule that prevents this from taking place and is considering an amendment to local council regulations.

However, it is extremely unethical to carry out this type of behaviour in medical related issues, as these issues are strictly to remain confidential between the service user and provider and no information should ever be given to third parties without the express and written permission of the former. This is established health care practice in Malta and is framed in the Oviedo Convention of the Council of Europe. Not to say anything of the Data Protection Act, which only allows the dissemination of this information for health-related reasons.

In fact, it should be the service provider who must act to defend the confidentiality of the patients by insisting that the privacy of the patients is not invaded, even by a mayor. The service provider should act as the ombudsman of the patient and should make sure that personal and data rights are protected. Any healthcare provider who does not respect this modicum of behaviour is giving a very bad name to the profession s/he represents and should be brought into line by his/her respective professional body.

Michael Asciak MD

BIRKIRKARA