Ministry for Health ‘not aware’ of cases of political interference at health centres
The Ministry for Health is not aware of any particular cases of political interference at health centres.
The Ministry was reacting to a story which was published on The Malta Independent earlier this week, saying that doctors working at health centres have complained of political interference by “individuals who work at Ministries.” The doctors who spoke with this newsroom said that this interference has become more frequent in the last two years.
Following the report, the Ministry for Health has asked the Medical Association of Malta (MAM) to forward any specific cases for further investigation. “Complaints from the general public lodged with customer care staff regarding health centres are forwarded to the Management of the Primary Health Care Department,” the Ministry added.
Sources who spoke with The Malta Independent on Monday said that doctors and health centre workers have to deal with pressure from “people who work in various ministries” who want patients without appointments to skip the waiting lists. Those who complained believe that this interference, when compared to previous years, has become more frequent. Workers who spoke to this newsroom said that this interference undermines the organised structure in the centres.
The requests vary from arrangements for doctors to make home visits to medicines prescription. Those who are given preference with appointments are turning up at the health centres, instead of sticking to their allocated time, causing more waiting times.
The Medical Association of Malta has already condemned this political interference in the daily running of health centres either directly or indirectly. MAM argues that this is unfair on patients who have emergency problems and have to face delays due to overcrowding.
Meanwhile, the Nationalist Party has said that in some instances this interference is coming directly from Castille and is not limited to health centres but is also present at Mater Dei. MAM recently decided to postpone its industrial dispute to 20 June if its proposals are not approved. However, speaking to The Malta Independent, MAM President Mr Gordon Caruana Dingli said that there has been progress in the talks with the government. “It seems that there is room for agreement and the government has showed a good will to cooperate. I believe that the issues we mentioned can be solved,” he added.