The Malta Chamber of Pharmacists has said that proposals on the extension of the Sundays and Public Holidays roster to the afternoons for pharmacies “were discussed with the Authorities concerned.”

The Chamber said that these included Health Minister Chris Fearne, Dr Deo Debattista, Parliamentary Secretary for Consumer Protection, Prof Charmaine Gauci, Superintendent for Public Health, and Prof Anthony Serracino Inglott, Chairperson Medicines Authority.

It explained the presentations were made by the Chamber keeping the current scenario in mind, “including the dearth of pharmacists, work-life balance and service to the community.”

The organisations’ proposals have been on the table since the 28th of March 2021, with the latest correspondence dated the 14th of September 2021, it said. “Since then we have not been consulted.”

“The present declaration by the Health Minister at first glance gave the impression of a fait accompli. However, the Chamber’s and Malta Chamber of SMEs proposal is still on the table and we note also that the Minister for Health referred to ongoing discussion with stakeholders.”

“Ours is a holistic proposal which assures a wide ranging roster service, extending the minimum opening hours on Sundays and Public Holidays to the afternoon, and which takes into account not only the patients’ needs, who are pharmacists’ priority, but also the needs of pharmacists who have become rare expert human resources and also have the sacrosanct right to an appropriate work-life balance,” the Chamber said.

The Malta Chamber of Pharmacists concluded by urging the Government and the relevant authorities “not to pay lip service to social dialogue, but to discuss and conclude this matter fairly for all.”

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