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A recent directive from the Medical Association of Malta (MAM) has sparked controversy, as it advises doctors not to refer emergency patients from Mater Dei Hospital (MDH) to private hospitals. This move has been met with resistance from the government, with a minister hitting back at the doctors’ union, accusing them of harboring “personal grudges”.
The minister’s response suggests that the directive may be motivated by more than just concerns about patient care. However, the MAM’s decision may also be seen as a response to the challenges faced by Malta’s public healthcare system, including long waiting times and resource constraints.² The situation highlights the complex relationships between public and private healthcare providers in Malta, with Mater Dei Hospital at the center of the debate.
As the national health unions weigh in on the issue, it remains to be seen how this dispute will be resolved. One thing is clear, however: the healthcare system in Malta is in need of reform, and finding a solution that balances the needs of patients, doctors, and healthcare providers will be crucial.
