The circular instructs healthcare staff to carry out thorough checks using multiple forms of identification before updating or accessing a patient’s records. The guidelines stress the importance of confirming details directly with patients or their legal representatives, especially in cases involving vulnerable groups. This step is crucial to preventing any potential errors or fraudulent activities linked to the misuse of identification documents, the ministry said.

In recent weeks many people have come forward with stories of mistaken identity involving the health sector. These include people being called about hospital appointments related to conditions they do not have, or strange procedures appearing on people’s online myhealth portal.

“This is proof that someone has stolen our identity to use Mater Dei and the health services,” Azzopardi said. “The ID card is no longer enough for Mater Dei!!”

In his post, Azzopardi insisted that the circular was effectively an admission on the part of the authorities that his claims were true and called on Health Minister Etienne Jo Abela to resign.

Things you only expect in a fascist country

In a separate post, Azzopardi raised the alarm about what he described as the authoritarian actions of Identity Malta and JobsPlus officials. He accused these entities of overstepping their legal boundaries by conducting roadblocks and searching individuals without proper legal authority. “These are things that only happen in a fascist state,” he wrote, urging citizens to stand up against what he views as illegal and oppressive measures.

This statement comes in the wake of increasing reports that officials from Identity Malta have been stopping drivers to check their documentation.

As the government continues to grapple with the fallout from these allegations, the public awaits further clarification on the extent of the illegalities being alleged.