The Malta Independent 13 February 2025, Thursday
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Updated: Government sets up temporary health services as MAM directives take effect

Friday, 24 January 2025, 08:28 Last update: about 20 days ago

The government has set up temporary health services as industrial action ordered by the Medical Association of Malta come into effect today.

The union registered a trade dispute over the transfer of patients to private hospitals, saying it was not consulted as per collective agreement.

On Thursday, MAM approved directives to doctors working in primary health care that today only Paola, Mosta and Floriana centres will be open for 24 hours.

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MAM said Friday that all doctors are obeying the directives at health centres. The union said it is surprised to hear of another irregular public private partnership with the excuse of the directives =, as the number of health centres open is the same that of a public holidays and should suffice to cover urgent care.

In a statement Friday, the government said that while it respects a union's right to industrial action, it must take action to make up for the impact that the union's directives will have on the services offered,

The government said it is determined to take on the weight of the directives to continue offering essential services in the community and protect the services offered at Mater Dei Hospital.

It is therefore requesting that private hospitals provide services until the industrial dispute is resolved. Since, for today, the union ordered a temporary interruption of the family doctor service in clinics in Gzira, Cospicua, Kirkop, Birkirkara and Qormi, the government is paying for such services to clients who make use of private hospitals.

The government said that patients who normally use the Gzira clinic, and who need a doctor urgently, are to call on 99889223. A limited service is being offered in Capua Hospital in Sliema.

Patients who normally use the Cospicua and Kirkop clinics can also call on 99889223 for services offered at St James Hospital.

Clients who use the Birkirkara health centre can call on 79491500 and use limited services at Da Vinci Hospital.

Patients who usually visit the Qormi clinic can call on 77482480 for limited services at St Thomas Hospital.

The services are available between 8am and 2pm.

 


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