The Mental Health Commissioner has spoken out over the MUMN's decision, where the union ordered its members to refuse admission to illegal immigrants at Mount Carmel Hospital.

"Under Maltese law, mental health services must respect individual qualities, abilities and diverse background and must be delivered without discrimination. As such, any persons who require attention should be given all the necessary care and protection," the Commissioner said.

"Persons are admitted to Mount Carmel Hospital only after appropriate assessment indicating such need. Assessment of a person's mental health challenges is done by specialists following relevant referral. This is a purely clinical decision based on the individual's presenting situation and varies with each person. Alleging ulterior motives to persons seeking, or being referred for, psychological/psychiatric assessment and assistance is grossly unfair to persons who are suffering from mental health issues."

"This is especially so in cases of self-harm. Such labelling may disincentivise people from urgently seeking help in difficult periods of their lives as well as further perpetuating the prevailing stigma surrounding mental illness, both of which may have disastrous consequences on the affected individual."

The Commissioner for Mental Health appeals for respect and dignity always and at all times in decisions about care and treatment needs of persons suffering from mental health challenges and equal respect and dignity always and at all times towards all staff delivering mental health care and treatment in very challenging circumstances.