The UK’s National Health Service is advertising jobs with better work benefits, free accommodation and free flights for nurses wanting to work there, Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses (MUMN) President Paul Pace on Wednesday.

In a meeting with Prime Minister Robert Abela and Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne, held at the new MUMN premises in Qormi, Pace said that when the association went abroad to conduct recruitment interviews it, it came empty handed, as “salaries are not competitive with the rest of Europe”.

Pace said that the only people who are interested in coming to work to Malta are coming from third world countries, as the industry is not attracting any Europeans.

He added that, despite there being 80 new nurses this year, around 30 of them will be furthering their studies to become doctors, thus they will not be practicing as nurses. He explained how such a route is taken when an individual does not satisfy the criteria for the University’s course to become a doctor.

He added that Malta is not self-sufficient in general and that it needs the constant support of foreigners.

He added that although it is a great initiative to initiate new medical services, the issues that are being created because of the current lack of nurses need to take priority.

Pace said that although the Labour Party’ proposals for the medical sector are good and much-needed, there are issues of human resources which need to be addressed.

It was said that the MUMN’s collective agreement with the government is about to expire.

During the meeting, it was emphasised how some nurses were feeling annoyed by the fact that the work arrangements were not being improved, despite the fact that they have been one of the main support pillars during the pandemic.

Prime Minister Robert Abela, remarked how the PL’s proposals for the sector, such as the widening of breast cancer screening and the legal amendments needed for more prospective parents to use the IVF procedures are aimed to better the industry.

He added that Malta needs to have a serious discussion regarding the use of euthanasia for people suffering from terminal illnesses.

He added that the UK last year reduced the requirements for foreign nurses due to an increase in demand.

Earlier this month during a meeting with the MUMN, Opposition Leader Bernard Grech had remarked that ““Only when we realise that educators, nurses and other health professionals are indispensable will we start to make progress.”