Government Takes Action To Ensure Patient Care Amid Doctors’ Industrial Action
The Government has announced a series of measures to safeguard patient care as industrial action led by the Medical Association of Malta (MAM) disrupts services at several public health clinics.
While acknowledging and respecting the right to industrial action, the Government stated it cannot allow patients to become victims of such disputes.
To minimise the impact on healthcare services, the Government is collaborating with private healthcare institutions to provide temporary services in affected areas.
Due to the industrial action, family doctor services at government clinics in Gżira, Bormla, Ħal Kirkop, Birkirkara, and Ħal Qormi are temporarily unavailable today, Friday, 24th January 2025.
To address this, the Ministry for Health and Active Ageing has activated agreements with private hospitals to ensure urgent care for those in need.
Here’s how patients can access these temporary services:
- Gżira Health Centre Area
Patients in urgent need of a family doctor are advised to call 99889223.
A limited service will be provided by Capua Hospital, Sliema. - Bormla and Ħal Kirkop Health Centre Areas
Patients should call 99889223 for assistance.
Services will be available at St James Hospital. - Birkirkara Health Centre Area
Patients are encouraged to contact 79491500.
Services will be provided by Da Vinci Hospital. - Ħal Qormi Health Centre Area
Patients can call 77482480 for urgent medical care.
A limited service will be offered by St Thomas Hospital.
All these services will operate between 8.00am and 2.00pm.
Meanwhile, services provided by nurses and POC Clinics (including INR for warfarin) at health centres will continue as usual.
The Government highlighted its ongoing efforts to address the shortage of doctors in Malta, including consistent investment in training and specialisation programmes, as well as the recruitment of graduates from Barts Medical School in Gozo.
After 35 hours of discussions and negotiations with MAM, the Government remains committed to finding solutions that respect the rights of healthcare workers while prioritising the well-being of patients.
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