A growing dispute has emerged in Malta’s healthcare sector following directives from the Medical Association of Malta (MAM) opposing the government’s new initiative to collaborate with private hospitals for emergency services.
The disagreement has drawn sharp responses from stakeholders, including the Health Ministry, private healthcare providers, and MAM itself.
The core issue revolves around whether public-private partnerships are the right approach to address the pressures on Malta’s overstretched public healthcare system.
The Government’s Position
Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela expressed frustration with MAM’s decision to oppose the initiative, calling it “heartless behaviour.”
The proposed partnership would see private hospitals such as DaVinci Health and Saint James Hospital Group handling minor emergency cases from Mater Dei Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department.
According to the Minister, this collaboration is critical during a period of high demand due to seasonal illnesses.
Dr. Abela accused a “small faction” within MAM of prioritising personal grudges over patient care, stating, “It doesn’t matter to them if someone remains on a stretcher in a corridor or has their surgery canceled.” He emphasised that similar partnerships had successfully reduced waiting times and improved healthcare delivery in other countries.
Private Sector’s Support for Collaboration
Private healthcare providers have voiced strong support for the initiative, arguing that public-private partnerships are essential for relieving pressure on Malta’s public healthcare system.
DaVinci Health highlighted the urgent need to address prolonged waiting times at Mater Dei Hospital, particularly during peak seasons. The organization had voluntarily offered its state-of-the-art facilities to support Mater Dei’s emergency team in managing minor cases.
DaVinci expressed disappointment at MAM’s directive instructing union members not to participate in transfers to private hospitals. They urged MAM to reconsider, emphasizing that collaboration would ultimately benefit patients.
Similarly, the Saint James Hospital Group described the initiative as a “step in the right direction.” The group has long advocated for stronger collaboration between the public and private healthcare sectors, arguing that such partnerships improve efficiency, reduce duplication of services, and contain costs.
They noted that public-private partnerships are standard in other EU countries and urged all parties to work together for the benefit of patients and staff.
MAM’s Opposition
Although MAM has yet to issue a detailed public statement explaining its rationale, the union has declared an industrial dispute, directing members to admit all patients to Mater Dei Hospital and refrain from engaging with private hospitals.
This directive suggests concerns about the implications of public-private partnerships, potentially including issues related to transparency, accountability, or the long-term impact on public healthcare resources.
Call For Dialogues
With Mater Dei Hospital facing significant strain and private hospitals advocating for collaboration, patients are left in the middle of the debate.
The Saint James Hospital Group and DaVinci Health have called for constructive dialogue, urging MAM and the government to prioritise patient welfare.
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