Elective surgeries will continue on Monday after the Medical Association of Malta loosened some of their industrial directives as a “gesture of good will especially towards patients”.
The MAM issued directives which commended on Thursday in protest against the government’s allowance of mass events to take place. The government has since restricted mass events, but there remains a disagreement even after a meeting on the topic within the MCESD on Thursday night.
However, the MAM said that after personal contact with Health Minister Chris Fearne, the MAM is suspending all directives for the postponement of elective surgery at all public health facilities as from 8am on Monday 10 August, meaning that all surgeries will be performed as normal
Directives at outpatients departments however remain in force.
“This is being announced following the announcement by the Prime Minister of the new measures attempting to contain the COVID 19 Virus, despite partial disagreement, as a gesture of goodwill especially toward patients”, the MAM said.
The MAM said that they recognised that the Prime Minister and Health Minister have acknowledged that a public health problem is present, and welcomed the compulsory wearing of masks indoors and the introduction of fines and enforcement in this regard.
“MAM also encourages the government to enforce quarantine rules and impose the prescribed fines if necessary, and to enforce all rules published by the Superintendent of Public Health. Regular statistics should be provided to the general public”, they said.
“However MAM would like to re-iterate its disapproval of unwarranted interference in the work of the Superintendent of Public Health, where mass activities like parties up to 300 are being allowed. It is very clear that such parties will not control but rather increase the spread the virus as shown in every textbook of epidemiology”, they continued.
The Prime Minister on Friday said that the MAM was in disagreement with the Superintendent herself by not accepting the measures which have been put in place.
“While re-asserting its opposition to this measure, MAM will also monitor the effectively of enforcement before withdrawing its directive related to the outpatient appointments”, the MAM said.
The MAM concluded by saying that it remains committed to safeguarding the health of its members and of the Maltese population.