The Medical Association of Malta has declared an industrial dispute, saying that the “transfer of a Public Health Consultant for expressing his professional judgement is unacceptable.”

Doctors declared the dispute in a letter to the Health Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Joseph Rapa.

Another letter was sent to Minister for Health Chris Fearne, in which MAM requested an urgent meeting with the Minister.

MAM stated that “Doctors must be free to express their professional opinion without intimidation or fear of retribution.”

“It is the ethical duty of each doctor to give the best possible medical advice,” said MAM. “The removal of this consultant is of concern to all professionals in all grades.”

It stressed that, “patients must know that medical advice is based on evidence and given in their best interests.”

MAM went on to say that, “the impression given by the Ministry that only one individual can work on EU projects is misleading and unfair to the doctors who are actually already doing this work.”

Notice of industrial action was given starting on Thursday. MAM said that it is their intention “to start with demonstrative action and escalate on Monday, the 18th of January.

Permalink: Doctors declare industrial dispute over transfer of consultant