The Malta Independent online
04 April 2010
by Elaine Attard
The Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses have welcomed the health ministry’s proposals for pharmacists to be given a prescriptive role and they hope that Malta follows in the steps of other countries to introduce what are called nurse prescribers, MUMN president Paul Pace told The Malta Independent on Sunday.
Last week, Health Minister Joe Cassar said that the ministry was following the trends set in other co
untries where pharmacists were given a prescribing role during a speech he delivered at the annual pharmacy symposium
The Medical Association of Malta and the Chamber of Pharmacists traded statements in reaction to the announcement.
Dr Cassar said his ministry was working to expand the role of community pharmacists by giving them the power to prescribe medicine after appropriate training.
This would bring Malta in line with practices in other countries such as the UK, where this scheme was implemented in May 2006.
The MUMN fully supports the Health Minister’s statement and stressed the importance of nurse prescribers.
In the UK, explained Mr Pace, nurse prescribers are specialised in a particular area. “Nurse prescribers would not be able to prescribe medicine to any patient like a General Practitioner would, but they would be able to prescribe medicine for the area they are specialised in. Let’s say a nurse is fully qualified and specialised in diabetes. He or she would be able to prescribe medicine to diabetes patients,” explained Mr Pace.
In the UK, he said, there are nurses running clinics specialised in particular areas who are supervised by medical doctors. These clinics were found to alleviate the pressure on doctors and assist in the smooth running of primary care.
“We all have an obligation to offer a better service to our nation and we should not hinder a better service just to be against change,” Mr Pace said.
The minister, in his speech, was looking at schemes such as that of nurse prescribers which already exist in many EU countries, he said adding that MUMN welcomes any health minister who is prepared to work for the good of the health service, and therefore for the good of the nation’s health, and who considers using alternative measures which in other countries, even as small as Malta, have proved to be a great success.
“We do need a breath of fresh air in our health services which have stagnated in certain work practices, especially in primary care, while these have evolved in other countries,” emphasised Mr Pace. “I believe that the health minister’s responsibility is to see a modern service orientated to the country’s needs,” he said.
Nurses are willing to give a better service to their patients and proud of their work working with people in times of need said Mr Pace.
He went on to say that today, Maltese nurses have either a university degree or a diploma. Nurses receive a warrant to practise from the President of Malta. Many other nurses have a Master or PhD degree and others are ‘informally’ specialised in various fields. This clearly shows that Maltese nurses are up to the task of taking up innovative roles such as that of a nurse prescriber, he remarked.
The minister has MUMN’s full support on this issue since, as a country lacking a number of doctors in the primary health care sector, nurses can contribute immensely to render a better service according to the nation’s needs, he continued.
Power belongs to the people and all changes contribute to a better service especially in primary care. In this area Malta still lags behind other countries in Europe, therefore nurse prescribers are a necessity, concluded Mr Pace.
http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=104065
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Young entrepreneurs to showcase their work
The Malta Independent online
03 April 2010
Eleven mini-companies formed by sixth form students representing five colleges will be setting up shop at St Anne’s Square in Sliema today as part of the Junior Achievement – Young Enterprise National Trade Fair. Jason Azzopardi, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, the Economy and Investment, will be inaugurating the fair, which will run from 9am to 6pm.
The teams participating in this year’s HSBC JA-YE (Malta) Company Programme are keen to finally exhibit the result of their hard work over the past six months, proposing some impressive products. JA-Young Enterprise (YE) teams are by now well known for annually producing a range of innovative yet very reasonably priced products, to suit adults and children alike.
The budding entrepreneurs already had the opportunity to showcase their work in the Jum il-Belt activity, organised by the Valletta Local Council in St George’s Square.
“This year’s selection of products includes a software programme, some useful utensils and a good selection of environmentally friendly products,” said Lorna Farrugia, manager of JA-YE (Malta). “Apart from being promising entrepreneurs, students are aware of their social responsibilities, particularly towards the environment.”
An SMS software known as ‘Send me Later’ will be available from 3Squared, a company from St Aloysius College. Koncentrik from St Aloysius College will be offering cases for headphones known as Efiks. E-Nova, from Junior College, will be offering an LED ornament while Triplezero from St Aloysius College have come up with Easychop, a useful kitchen utensil. Rhymed, from St Edward’s College have come up with a book of rhymes which can be enjoyed by adults and children alike, while SyMeC from St Martin’s College have produced Jotters, which promises to be a unique notebook.
Re-Cre8 from St Aloysius College have come up with Re-Hydr8 which measures the water used when watering plants. Rewined from De La Salle College is offering a recycled bottle for platters known as Multiplat. A recycled wool ball for tumble dryers will be available from Simple Solutions from Junior College. Eco-Log, from St Aloysius College, will be offering a log made from olive husk and Glazed, also from St Aloysius College, will be offering recycled cloth glazed into boxes.
“As can be seen from the varied products on offer, our youngsters are doing their utmost to put forward a green business,” said Josef Camilleri, chairman of the organisation.
JA-YE (Malta), formerly known as Young Enterprise, which has been running for over 20 years, is supported by HSBC Bank Malta plc as main sponsor, and by GO plc and AirMalta plc as official communications partner and official carrier respectively.
http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=104006
03 April 2010
Eleven mini-companies formed by sixth form students representing five colleges will be setting up shop at St Anne’s Square in Sliema today as part of the Junior Achievement – Young Enterprise National Trade Fair. Jason Azzopardi, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, the Economy and Investment, will be inaugurating the fair, which will run from 9am to 6pm.
The teams participating in this year’s HSBC JA-YE (Malta) Company Programme are keen to finally exhibit the result of their hard work over the past six months, proposing some impressive products. JA-Young Enterprise (YE) teams are by now well known for annually producing a range of innovative yet very reasonably priced products, to suit adults and children alike.
The budding entrepreneurs already had the opportunity to showcase their work in the Jum il-Belt activity, organised by the Valletta Local Council in St George’s Square.
“This year’s selection of products includes a software programme, some useful utensils and a good selection of environmentally friendly products,” said Lorna Farrugia, manager of JA-YE (Malta). “Apart from being promising entrepreneurs, students are aware of their social responsibilities, particularly towards the environment.”
An SMS software known as ‘Send me Later’ will be available from 3Squared, a company from St Aloysius College. Koncentrik from St Aloysius College will be offering cases for headphones known as Efiks. E-Nova, from Junior College, will be offering an LED ornament while Triplezero from St Aloysius College have come up with Easychop, a useful kitchen utensil. Rhymed, from St Edward’s College have come up with a book of rhymes which can be enjoyed by adults and children alike, while SyMeC from St Martin’s College have produced Jotters, which promises to be a unique notebook.
Re-Cre8 from St Aloysius College have come up with Re-Hydr8 which measures the water used when watering plants. Rewined from De La Salle College is offering a recycled bottle for platters known as Multiplat. A recycled wool ball for tumble dryers will be available from Simple Solutions from Junior College. Eco-Log, from St Aloysius College, will be offering a log made from olive husk and Glazed, also from St Aloysius College, will be offering recycled cloth glazed into boxes.
“As can be seen from the varied products on offer, our youngsters are doing their utmost to put forward a green business,” said Josef Camilleri, chairman of the organisation.
JA-YE (Malta), formerly known as Young Enterprise, which has been running for over 20 years, is supported by HSBC Bank Malta plc as main sponsor, and by GO plc and AirMalta plc as official communications partner and official carrier respectively.
http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=104006
Celebrating life, in health
di-ve.com
Current Affairs -- 02 April 2010 -- 10:20CEST
The Malta Medical Students’ Association (MMSA) is once again organising ‘Health Fest’ at Great Siege Square, opposite the law courts, in Valletta on April 7.
This year’s fundraising goes to the Malta Hospice Movement. The Malta Hospice Movement offers palliative care to persons suffering from cancer, motor neurone disease and other terminal diseases, as well as support to their families. Palliative Care focuses on the medical, physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of every person. All the services offered by The Malta Hospice Movement are provided to patients and their families free of charge.
For the second year running, medical students, studying at the University of Malta, will be holding this public awareness campaign in which most of the organisation’s subcommittees (public health, reproductive health and aids, and human rights and peace) will participate.
The main aim is to spread information to the public about relevant subjects such as patient rights, eating disorders, smoking, and sexual education. There will also be an area for children to play.
This activity will take place in conjunction with The Malta Hospice Movement.
http://www.di-ve.com/Default.aspx?ID=72&Action=1&NewsId=71089¤tPage=17&newscategory=31
Current Affairs -- 02 April 2010 -- 10:20CEST
The Malta Medical Students’ Association (MMSA) is once again organising ‘Health Fest’ at Great Siege Square, opposite the law courts, in Valletta on April 7.
This year’s fundraising goes to the Malta Hospice Movement. The Malta Hospice Movement offers palliative care to persons suffering from cancer, motor neurone disease and other terminal diseases, as well as support to their families. Palliative Care focuses on the medical, physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of every person. All the services offered by The Malta Hospice Movement are provided to patients and their families free of charge.
For the second year running, medical students, studying at the University of Malta, will be holding this public awareness campaign in which most of the organisation’s subcommittees (public health, reproductive health and aids, and human rights and peace) will participate.
The main aim is to spread information to the public about relevant subjects such as patient rights, eating disorders, smoking, and sexual education. There will also be an area for children to play.
This activity will take place in conjunction with The Malta Hospice Movement.
http://www.di-ve.com/Default.aspx?ID=72&Action=1&NewsId=71089¤tPage=17&newscategory=31
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Updated: Group seeks Valletta referendum - but law may not allow it
The Times of Malta
Wednesday, 31st March 2010 - 09:27CET
The proposed open theatre in the Opera House ruins.
A group which has so far not revealed the names of the people behind it, has announced it will launch an 11th hour campaign to stop the Piano project for Valletta by seeking a referendum.
However timesofmalta.com has found that the Referanda Act may not appear to cover projects such as this since its purpose is the abrogation of certain acts of Parliament.
Decisions on whether a referendum should be held are taken following application to the Constitutional Court.
"The aim of the ‘Stop Project Piano’ Referendum campaign is to halt this insane project from being pursued against the people’s will," the group said.
It has already set up a website to promote its campaign and said it would seek the signatures of 10% of the population to hold a referedum in terms of Maltese law.
However the Referenda Act says that in a referendum, persons entitled to vote would be called upon to declare whether they approve proposals set out in a resolution or law passed by Parliament.
The Valletta project is not a consequence of a parliamentary resolution or a law.
"It is evident that a substantial majority is against it (the project). Forums, newspaper letters and articles, online polls, petitions, discussions, NGO activities, all testify to a strong opposition towards Renzo Piano’s ‘brainchild’. We have been waiting patiently for over 60 years for the Opera house to be rebuilt and now the project has been hijacked for shortsighted political objectives," the group said.·
It complained that the Opera house would not going to be rebuilt, the fortifications would be breached, and City Gate would be removed.
"Now that the MEPA permit has been issued only a Referendum can stop this madness. The Maltese Constitution gives the right to any individual to call on the government to hold a Referendum on any particular issue as long as at least 10% of the electorate calls for it. That is what we are going to do, what this campaign is all about. A non-political way of stopping a politicized national project with no national consent!" the group said.
It said its campaign was being endorsed by a number of NGOs, organisations and individuals from the realms of Culture and Art.
http://www.stopprojectpiano.com
DESIGNER EXPLAINS
Stefan De Battista in a note to timesofmalta.com said that he was in no way part of this initiative.
"I was only involved in the setting up of the website on a professional basis, after they requested my services. Furthermore, I condemn the fact that my personal details were posted, and left online. Domain details have nothing to do with the initiative, and the designer's opinion may not be the same as that of the persons behind the initiative," Mr De Battista said.
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100331/local/group-in-11th-hour-referendum-campaign-to-stop-valletta-project
Wednesday, 31st March 2010 - 09:27CET
The proposed open theatre in the Opera House ruins.
A group which has so far not revealed the names of the people behind it, has announced it will launch an 11th hour campaign to stop the Piano project for Valletta by seeking a referendum.
However timesofmalta.com has found that the Referanda Act may not appear to cover projects such as this since its purpose is the abrogation of certain acts of Parliament.
Decisions on whether a referendum should be held are taken following application to the Constitutional Court.
"The aim of the ‘Stop Project Piano’ Referendum campaign is to halt this insane project from being pursued against the people’s will," the group said.
It has already set up a website to promote its campaign and said it would seek the signatures of 10% of the population to hold a referedum in terms of Maltese law.
However the Referenda Act says that in a referendum, persons entitled to vote would be called upon to declare whether they approve proposals set out in a resolution or law passed by Parliament.
The Valletta project is not a consequence of a parliamentary resolution or a law.
"It is evident that a substantial majority is against it (the project). Forums, newspaper letters and articles, online polls, petitions, discussions, NGO activities, all testify to a strong opposition towards Renzo Piano’s ‘brainchild’. We have been waiting patiently for over 60 years for the Opera house to be rebuilt and now the project has been hijacked for shortsighted political objectives," the group said.·
It complained that the Opera house would not going to be rebuilt, the fortifications would be breached, and City Gate would be removed.
"Now that the MEPA permit has been issued only a Referendum can stop this madness. The Maltese Constitution gives the right to any individual to call on the government to hold a Referendum on any particular issue as long as at least 10% of the electorate calls for it. That is what we are going to do, what this campaign is all about. A non-political way of stopping a politicized national project with no national consent!" the group said.
It said its campaign was being endorsed by a number of NGOs, organisations and individuals from the realms of Culture and Art.
http://www.stopprojectpiano.com
DESIGNER EXPLAINS
Stefan De Battista in a note to timesofmalta.com said that he was in no way part of this initiative.
"I was only involved in the setting up of the website on a professional basis, after they requested my services. Furthermore, I condemn the fact that my personal details were posted, and left online. Domain details have nothing to do with the initiative, and the designer's opinion may not be the same as that of the persons behind the initiative," Mr De Battista said.
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100331/local/group-in-11th-hour-referendum-campaign-to-stop-valletta-project
A divided trade union sector
The Malta Independent online
31 March 2010
Sixteen months ago, in what was described as a historic occasion, 20 unions gathered forces and marched in Valletta against the water and electricity rates.
A month ago, the number of unions which organised a similar protest march in Valletta had dropped by half.
In between, the relationship between the different unions had gone sour.
Soon after that November 2008 meeting, an attempt by the Malta Union of Teachers to set up a trades union council was stillborn, and the resulting spat between the teachers union and the Confederation of Malta Trade Unions ended with the MUT leaving the CMTU and teaming up with another confederation called Forum.
From a situation in which the unions had one common front against the government’s measures, we have now a situation that sees a great division between the two different factions of the trade union sector.
On the one hand, we have the General Workers Union leading a pack of unions including the MUT and the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses, taking to the streets in an attempt to force the government into withdrawing the new energy rates. The GWU’s militant style has been known throughout its history, whereas the MUT and MUMN seem to have been drawn into the political issue thinking that the government could have collapsed.
On the other hand, we have the Confederation of Trade Unions, which includes the second largest union in Malta, the Union Haddiema Maghqudin, which wants to find solutions around the table and believes that the best way forward is through negotiation.
This division was apparent in the way five major unions replied to questions sent by The Malta Independent on Sunday last weekend. The friction that exists between the two sections was apparent in how they commented on each other while at the same time trying to gain brownie points by mentioning their list of achievements, something which the newspaper did not ask for but duly reported.
As expected, the employers, for their part, have taken the side of the unions who want to negotiate, rather than arm-twist the government through public protests. Industrial stability and peace are important factors in any country’s economy. Protests and strikes could only scare investors away.
And this is why the employers want unions to be part of the solutions, and not simply point out the problems, as suggested by Malta Employers’ Association director general Joe Farrugia. Unions must understand the economic scenario much better before making demands. Expecting miracles from employers could lead to catastrophic situations, with more jobs lost rather than created.
And he is right. No amount of protesting and marching in the streets will improve the economy. No amount of placards and insults will change what is taking place. And no amount of name-calling will bring the price of oil down.
The solutions need to be found on the negotiating table. It is through discussion that compromises can be found. Unions who call for meetings and then say they will not be taking part – as the GWU did last January – are only adding fuel to the fire without contributing towards finding the best way out.
http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=103903
31 March 2010
Sixteen months ago, in what was described as a historic occasion, 20 unions gathered forces and marched in Valletta against the water and electricity rates.
A month ago, the number of unions which organised a similar protest march in Valletta had dropped by half.
In between, the relationship between the different unions had gone sour.
Soon after that November 2008 meeting, an attempt by the Malta Union of Teachers to set up a trades union council was stillborn, and the resulting spat between the teachers union and the Confederation of Malta Trade Unions ended with the MUT leaving the CMTU and teaming up with another confederation called Forum.
From a situation in which the unions had one common front against the government’s measures, we have now a situation that sees a great division between the two different factions of the trade union sector.
On the one hand, we have the General Workers Union leading a pack of unions including the MUT and the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses, taking to the streets in an attempt to force the government into withdrawing the new energy rates. The GWU’s militant style has been known throughout its history, whereas the MUT and MUMN seem to have been drawn into the political issue thinking that the government could have collapsed.
On the other hand, we have the Confederation of Trade Unions, which includes the second largest union in Malta, the Union Haddiema Maghqudin, which wants to find solutions around the table and believes that the best way forward is through negotiation.
This division was apparent in the way five major unions replied to questions sent by The Malta Independent on Sunday last weekend. The friction that exists between the two sections was apparent in how they commented on each other while at the same time trying to gain brownie points by mentioning their list of achievements, something which the newspaper did not ask for but duly reported.
As expected, the employers, for their part, have taken the side of the unions who want to negotiate, rather than arm-twist the government through public protests. Industrial stability and peace are important factors in any country’s economy. Protests and strikes could only scare investors away.
And this is why the employers want unions to be part of the solutions, and not simply point out the problems, as suggested by Malta Employers’ Association director general Joe Farrugia. Unions must understand the economic scenario much better before making demands. Expecting miracles from employers could lead to catastrophic situations, with more jobs lost rather than created.
And he is right. No amount of protesting and marching in the streets will improve the economy. No amount of placards and insults will change what is taking place. And no amount of name-calling will bring the price of oil down.
The solutions need to be found on the negotiating table. It is through discussion that compromises can be found. Unions who call for meetings and then say they will not be taking part – as the GWU did last January – are only adding fuel to the fire without contributing towards finding the best way out.
http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=103903
Community effort needed to fight poverty
The Times of Malta
Tuesday, 30th March 2010
Editorial
Caritas Europa, of which Caritas Malta is a member, recently launched a campaign called Zero Poverty - Act Now. Its message is that poverty is not inevitable and that everyone, from decision-makers to the man in the street, can help to make this vision of zero poverty a reality.
At first glance it may sound as unrealisable a goal as the elimination of crime. After all, did not Christ himself say that poverty will always be among us? And so it will, in a relative way. But Caritas are making it clear that there is much, very much more that can be done to reduce the number of people who live lives of privation.
Just take a few of the proposals made by Caritas Malta director Mgr Victor Grech at a forum on the subject. He called for an adequate minimum wage and a revision of social benefits especially for those whose special disability or disease means they cannot work. He proposed the setting up of cooperatives where the unemployed could be given work that benefits society and the paying of special attention to early school leavers who risk ending up jobless. He also said it was urgent to redefine the national poverty line these recessionary times.
The point here is that poverty is a multidimensional reality with a multitude of causes and there is no one solution to it. But there are a variety of measures that could be contemplated to significantly reduce its incidence.
If poverty is defined purely as financial impoverishment, the causes may range from economy-related joblessness to a family's failure to budget properly; from a lack of educational opportunities to squandering one's resources on gambling or drugs; from making the wrong choices in life to inability to work due to accident, or sickness. And if poverty is defined more broadly as lack of well-being, as Caritas does, this might include deprivation in areas such as housing and health, each with its own contributory factors. All of which makes for a complex phenomenon that requires to be attacked on multiple fronts.
Certain types of poverty respond to pure economic growth, which is what all countries strive to achieve: The more growth, the more jobs are created and the more tax income is available to provide a robust social safety net. Other types could be alleviated by empowering the individual concerned: to get a job, do training, defeat destructive habits or simply stop being lazy. This is the role of social workers, which is why we need more of them; and it is what NGOs like Caritas do, which is why the government must never take their invaluable work for granted.
Poverty is a problem for the community but it is also one that the community can have a big hand in alleviating. It is a question of linking resources to needs, which is what the Malta Community Chest Fund does so well with its fund-raising efforts. But it sometimes happens in even more simple and direct ways. After The Times ran a story about a young mother-of-three living in a garage and generally struggling very hard to make ends meet, readers phoned in with offers of assistance. It says a lot for the importance of consciousness-raising, another aspect of the Caritas campaign.
The moral of the story? It is not just the government or voluntary sector but each member of the community that can contribute to the eradication of poverty. Easier said than done, perhaps, but all social progress starts from ideals.
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100330/opinion/editorial
Tuesday, 30th March 2010
Editorial
Caritas Europa, of which Caritas Malta is a member, recently launched a campaign called Zero Poverty - Act Now. Its message is that poverty is not inevitable and that everyone, from decision-makers to the man in the street, can help to make this vision of zero poverty a reality.
At first glance it may sound as unrealisable a goal as the elimination of crime. After all, did not Christ himself say that poverty will always be among us? And so it will, in a relative way. But Caritas are making it clear that there is much, very much more that can be done to reduce the number of people who live lives of privation.
Just take a few of the proposals made by Caritas Malta director Mgr Victor Grech at a forum on the subject. He called for an adequate minimum wage and a revision of social benefits especially for those whose special disability or disease means they cannot work. He proposed the setting up of cooperatives where the unemployed could be given work that benefits society and the paying of special attention to early school leavers who risk ending up jobless. He also said it was urgent to redefine the national poverty line these recessionary times.
The point here is that poverty is a multidimensional reality with a multitude of causes and there is no one solution to it. But there are a variety of measures that could be contemplated to significantly reduce its incidence.
If poverty is defined purely as financial impoverishment, the causes may range from economy-related joblessness to a family's failure to budget properly; from a lack of educational opportunities to squandering one's resources on gambling or drugs; from making the wrong choices in life to inability to work due to accident, or sickness. And if poverty is defined more broadly as lack of well-being, as Caritas does, this might include deprivation in areas such as housing and health, each with its own contributory factors. All of which makes for a complex phenomenon that requires to be attacked on multiple fronts.
Certain types of poverty respond to pure economic growth, which is what all countries strive to achieve: The more growth, the more jobs are created and the more tax income is available to provide a robust social safety net. Other types could be alleviated by empowering the individual concerned: to get a job, do training, defeat destructive habits or simply stop being lazy. This is the role of social workers, which is why we need more of them; and it is what NGOs like Caritas do, which is why the government must never take their invaluable work for granted.
Poverty is a problem for the community but it is also one that the community can have a big hand in alleviating. It is a question of linking resources to needs, which is what the Malta Community Chest Fund does so well with its fund-raising efforts. But it sometimes happens in even more simple and direct ways. After The Times ran a story about a young mother-of-three living in a garage and generally struggling very hard to make ends meet, readers phoned in with offers of assistance. It says a lot for the importance of consciousness-raising, another aspect of the Caritas campaign.
The moral of the story? It is not just the government or voluntary sector but each member of the community that can contribute to the eradication of poverty. Easier said than done, perhaps, but all social progress starts from ideals.
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100330/opinion/editorial
Friday, April 9, 2010
MDRA for Inspire
The Malta Independent online
30 March 2010
Inspire, the Foundation for Inclusion and the Malta Drag Racing Association (MDRA) are inviting the general public to ‘MDRA for Inspire’ taking place at Hal-Far tomorrow.
An array of attractions will highlight this event making it an entertaining day out for everyone. Modified and classic cars will be exhibited as part of the attraction, while exhilarating head to head races on the MDRA track will entertain those present.
Mini Moto races and go-kart endurance races shall be held at the nearby Island Karting Club’s premises together with Karting Club Malta. Furthermore, motorcross displays, organised by the Assocjazzjoni Sport Muturi, will take place all day at an adjacent off-road course earmarked as Island Karting Club’s future motorcross track.
Moreover, at 11am and 3pm spectacular drifting displays by Team Drift Mania will keep everyone present on the edge of their seats while a stunt show by Team Maximum Lock will complement this, making it an adrenaline-inducing attraction.
All proceeds from this event will go towards Inspire, the Foundation for Inclusion. Inspire is the creation of two leading NGOs working in the disability sector in Malta. The Eden Foundation and the Razzett tal-Hbiberija have joined forces to help over 1000 children and adults with learning and physical disabilities across their six centres in Malta and Gozo.
This fundraising event is organised by the Malta Drag Racing Association, Motordrome and Deejay Banana and is supported by Malta Motorsport Federation together with popular TV shows Paq Paq, Wheelspin, On the Road and Oversteer.
http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=103861
30 March 2010
Inspire, the Foundation for Inclusion and the Malta Drag Racing Association (MDRA) are inviting the general public to ‘MDRA for Inspire’ taking place at Hal-Far tomorrow.
An array of attractions will highlight this event making it an entertaining day out for everyone. Modified and classic cars will be exhibited as part of the attraction, while exhilarating head to head races on the MDRA track will entertain those present.
Mini Moto races and go-kart endurance races shall be held at the nearby Island Karting Club’s premises together with Karting Club Malta. Furthermore, motorcross displays, organised by the Assocjazzjoni Sport Muturi, will take place all day at an adjacent off-road course earmarked as Island Karting Club’s future motorcross track.
Moreover, at 11am and 3pm spectacular drifting displays by Team Drift Mania will keep everyone present on the edge of their seats while a stunt show by Team Maximum Lock will complement this, making it an adrenaline-inducing attraction.
All proceeds from this event will go towards Inspire, the Foundation for Inclusion. Inspire is the creation of two leading NGOs working in the disability sector in Malta. The Eden Foundation and the Razzett tal-Hbiberija have joined forces to help over 1000 children and adults with learning and physical disabilities across their six centres in Malta and Gozo.
This fundraising event is organised by the Malta Drag Racing Association, Motordrome and Deejay Banana and is supported by Malta Motorsport Federation together with popular TV shows Paq Paq, Wheelspin, On the Road and Oversteer.
http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=103861
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Unions must be part of the solutions
The Malta Independent online
28 March 2010
by Stephen Calleja
The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry and the Malta Employers’ Association were also asked for their comments on the trade union sector in Malta.
The three questions asked were: 1) Do you think that trade unions still have a role to play in the prevailing economic scenario? 2) Are trade unions more helpful/damaging to industry in general? 3) How can unions contribute more positively to the general administration of the country?
This is what they had to say.
The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry
The Chamber believes that trade unions have a crucial role to play in the wage bargaining process. In doing so, trade unions serve as a
single point of contact for employers to deal effectively with the demands and requirements of employees. This role is transformed on a national level where trade unions play a key role in influencing national policy through social dialogue.
In fact, the Chamber has always enjoyed open and regular dialogue with the trade unions, during MCESD, as well as outside this forum. Even on occasions where the Malta Chamber’s opinion differed from that of the unions, the Chamber felt that there was scope for dialogue, as was the case with some of the unions before the utility tariffs protest held last month. To this end, Chamber representatives met with the unions to discuss the issue and explain its point of view and its different approaches to lobbying the cause of its members.
By studying national issues from the point of view of their members, and bringing these arguments to the table of national dialogue, trade unions are and will continue to be relevant. At the national level, trade unions act as a healthy counterbalance to the other social partners, since they try to reconcile their members’ needs with those of the public and private sectors.
The Malta Chamber believes that in this current competitive scenario, the role of the unions must go beyond wage bargaining. Increasingly, they need to work hand-in-hand with employers to promote the concept of life-long learning to enhance flexibility at the place of work, as well as improve the continuous employability of their members. It is also the unions’ role to analyse the significant external changes that are taking place around us and the impact that these have on the need to continuously change processes and working patterns, which are seen as a pre-requisite to competitive advantage. The Chamber feels that the demands on the unions’ role is changing, and will undoubtedly continue to change. The focus should increasingly be on competitiveness and sustainability.
Joe Farrugia, director general MEA
Trade unions play an important role in the economy since they have the status of social partners and thus are indispensable in the social dialogue process. They remain highly influential in the decisions taken at national level on matters related to economic and social policy, and are also very active in lobbying on these issues at EU level. At enterprise level, numerous companies still interact with unions through the
collective bargaining process.
If we look at what is happening in many EU countries, it is evident that unions are finding it difficult to come to grips with the fact that many of the systems they have lobbied with governments are clearly not sustainable in the current economic conditions. Many governments are overmanned, inefficient, and operate welfare systems that are unsustainable. For a great number of years, governments have appeased unions and coped with such systems by accumulating debt.
However, the situation in these countries has escalated to crisis point and many governments, including those who are traditionally sympathetic to the unions – like the UK and Greece – are coming to terms with the fact that they need to take measures that are obviously in conflict with unions’ aspirations. In these circumstances, rather than resorting to protest marches and industrial action, unions would be more responsible if they tell their members about the need to bring national finances in order, and to take measures to boost productivity and competitiveness – both in the private and public sectors – even if this means a temporary deterioration in their conditions of employment. The European social model is only sustainable if it is backed by economic growth. There is no escaping economic reality indefinitely.
I fear that there may come a time when this crunch will be felt even at EU level, and many labour directives will have to be revisited if the European Union is to compete with the United States and Asia. In Malta, we have relatively stable industrial relations, and we should learn from the experience of other countries to avoid duplicating their mistakes.
Unions need to be better at not just pointing out the problems, but at contributing to and being part of the solutions. This means that they should exercise their power to defend employees’ rights and to improve their working conditions when the economy is growing, and to accept that companies may not be in a position to improve conditions of employment when they are facing a contraction in business activity. The global competitive climate is making it increasingly difficult in many areas for companies to hand out wage increases just because the collective agreement has expired. Unions also have to be more open to flexible work systems, just as employers must also honour their obligations to motivate and develop their human resources.
http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=103761
28 March 2010
by Stephen Calleja
The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry and the Malta Employers’ Association were also asked for their comments on the trade union sector in Malta.
The three questions asked were: 1) Do you think that trade unions still have a role to play in the prevailing economic scenario? 2) Are trade unions more helpful/damaging to industry in general? 3) How can unions contribute more positively to the general administration of the country?
This is what they had to say.
The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry
The Chamber believes that trade unions have a crucial role to play in the wage bargaining process. In doing so, trade unions serve as a
single point of contact for employers to deal effectively with the demands and requirements of employees. This role is transformed on a national level where trade unions play a key role in influencing national policy through social dialogue.
In fact, the Chamber has always enjoyed open and regular dialogue with the trade unions, during MCESD, as well as outside this forum. Even on occasions where the Malta Chamber’s opinion differed from that of the unions, the Chamber felt that there was scope for dialogue, as was the case with some of the unions before the utility tariffs protest held last month. To this end, Chamber representatives met with the unions to discuss the issue and explain its point of view and its different approaches to lobbying the cause of its members.
By studying national issues from the point of view of their members, and bringing these arguments to the table of national dialogue, trade unions are and will continue to be relevant. At the national level, trade unions act as a healthy counterbalance to the other social partners, since they try to reconcile their members’ needs with those of the public and private sectors.
The Malta Chamber believes that in this current competitive scenario, the role of the unions must go beyond wage bargaining. Increasingly, they need to work hand-in-hand with employers to promote the concept of life-long learning to enhance flexibility at the place of work, as well as improve the continuous employability of their members. It is also the unions’ role to analyse the significant external changes that are taking place around us and the impact that these have on the need to continuously change processes and working patterns, which are seen as a pre-requisite to competitive advantage. The Chamber feels that the demands on the unions’ role is changing, and will undoubtedly continue to change. The focus should increasingly be on competitiveness and sustainability.
Joe Farrugia, director general MEA
Trade unions play an important role in the economy since they have the status of social partners and thus are indispensable in the social dialogue process. They remain highly influential in the decisions taken at national level on matters related to economic and social policy, and are also very active in lobbying on these issues at EU level. At enterprise level, numerous companies still interact with unions through the
collective bargaining process.
If we look at what is happening in many EU countries, it is evident that unions are finding it difficult to come to grips with the fact that many of the systems they have lobbied with governments are clearly not sustainable in the current economic conditions. Many governments are overmanned, inefficient, and operate welfare systems that are unsustainable. For a great number of years, governments have appeased unions and coped with such systems by accumulating debt.
However, the situation in these countries has escalated to crisis point and many governments, including those who are traditionally sympathetic to the unions – like the UK and Greece – are coming to terms with the fact that they need to take measures that are obviously in conflict with unions’ aspirations. In these circumstances, rather than resorting to protest marches and industrial action, unions would be more responsible if they tell their members about the need to bring national finances in order, and to take measures to boost productivity and competitiveness – both in the private and public sectors – even if this means a temporary deterioration in their conditions of employment. The European social model is only sustainable if it is backed by economic growth. There is no escaping economic reality indefinitely.
I fear that there may come a time when this crunch will be felt even at EU level, and many labour directives will have to be revisited if the European Union is to compete with the United States and Asia. In Malta, we have relatively stable industrial relations, and we should learn from the experience of other countries to avoid duplicating their mistakes.
Unions need to be better at not just pointing out the problems, but at contributing to and being part of the solutions. This means that they should exercise their power to defend employees’ rights and to improve their working conditions when the economy is growing, and to accept that companies may not be in a position to improve conditions of employment when they are facing a contraction in business activity. The global competitive climate is making it increasingly difficult in many areas for companies to hand out wage increases just because the collective agreement has expired. Unions also have to be more open to flexible work systems, just as employers must also honour their obligations to motivate and develop their human resources.
http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=103761
Trade unions - the way forward
The Malta Independent online
28 March 2010
by Stephen Calleja
While the workforce continues to increase – there are some 144,000 gainfully occupied people – the number of members of trade unions continues to decline. At the last count, in June 2009, 83,433 people belonged to a trade union – with a number of them being paid-up members of more than one union. In June of 2007, the number was 88,017, which went down to 84,172 in June 2008. Stephen Calleja asked the six major unions in the country to analyse the trade union situation and what they see as the way forward. The Malta Medical Association, through president Martin Balzan, the Malta Union of Teachers, through president John Bencini, the Malta Union of Bank Employees, through president William Portelli, the Union Haddiema Maghqudin, through secretary-general Gejtu Vella and the General Workers Union, through secretary-general Tony Zarb, answered the questions; the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses did not respond
1. The number of union members is on the decline. To what do you attribute this phenomenon?
MAM – This is not the case with MAM, where membership has been steady at around 690 members – about double the number MAM had in 2000.
MUT –The decline in trade union membership in European countries may be largely attributed to the increasing complexity of labour market forces.
Trade unions must keep themselves abreast of developments, adopt a more proactive stand and offer a wider range of services to members, both at the collective and individual level.
Locally, trade union membership is still strong and this is due to the good service provided to members and the trust which these in turn have in their respective unions. In fact, one has to be cautious with generic statements about union membership. A closer look at particular sectors might provide interesting findings. Take the education sector for instance – trade union membership has increased steadily over the last few years.
MUBE – I always said that trade unionism in Malta needs a new face and the decline in membership proves it. Shameful scenes such as those of 28 February and 1 March (during the energy protest march organised by the GWU and Forum) do not help and several unions have to change their mentality. What I can say is that the CMTU and the UHM are trying to change the ‘old face’ profile of trade unionism to a more trendy, vibrant and ‘businesslike’ profile that suits today’s needs and business exigencies. However, this must be smartly negotiated and implemented so as to ensure that effective social dialogue and compromise win, meaning that all stakeholders’ would benefit.
UHM – Trade unions in Malta are no different from other trade unions in Europe. They are facing the same challenges. Trade union membership is on the decline in many European countries.
However in Malta we still have high union density. As Malta is small, workers enjoy personal contacts with all union officials and this has helped to maintain a relatively high level of effective communication.
Malta has been going through a process of planned and unplanned restructuring, in both the public and private sector, for many years. This is an ongoing exercise, as the workplaces continue to evolve and become more knowledge-based. Shifting from the traditional labour-intensive plants to more value added enterprises has led to a portion of workers refraining from joining a union.
GWU – There are various factors that, to an extent, led to a decline in trade union membership. Today, more workers are working in a highly personalised environment and this situation has left its mark on union membership. It is a reality that the concept of individualism is also affecting the value of solidarity on which trade unions are based. In view of this phenomenon, the GWU has extended its services to this growing category of workers, in particular those who are employed under a definite or indefinite contract of employment.
Another reason for trade union decline is that today many have succeeded in infecting the workers with the plague of egoism, where workers are being encouraged to fend for themselves and ignore trade union solidarity. In this respect, the GWU is working hard to rid the minds of workers from this disease, which undermines the solidarity that is essential for workers.
One also cannot ignore the fact that various companies either closed shop in Malta and relocated, or laid off workers especially in this time of recession. We have also heard of cases in breach of the freedom of association, where workers are employed on condition that they do not join a union.
2. In what way has the role of trade unions changed from 20, 30
years ago?
MAM – The role of trade unions has to change from being militant and bullying to understanding the needs of the employer, being constructive and persuasive to find solutions, which result in higher productivity and better working conditions for employees. The traditional formula, where trade unions always ask that employees work less and get paid more is over. We have to convince our members that higher flexibility and productivity in the long run will result in a better work package.
MUT – Trade unions have assumed a wider sphere of activity. In the European Union, trade unions are not only encouraged – but also expected – to participate in tripartite policy-making structures. The principle of social dialogue is indeed the very heart and soul of EU socio-economic policy. Within this context, trade unions are expected to contribute on a wider dimension as a
matter of right and duty.
Locally, the concept of social dialogue is still in its embryonic phase. Hence the domain of trade unions is still seen largely as representation of members on purely work-related issues. This is diametrically opposed to the European social dialogue model, where trade union involvement in socio-economic policy-making structures is seen as a sine qua non.
MUBE – Long gone is the priority to take a militant approach or to march in protest with ‘name and shame’ agendas with the intention of ‘firing’ up crowds to ‘pump up’ successful militant strike action. Long gone is the idea of a situation where unions are on their own against employer representatives in a cat and mouse game. The crucial change has become even more evident since the recession struck.
Contrary to what some may think, the role of trade unionism has become increasingly important once there are unions that can act as ‘agents of change’ and once there are unions that can understand business as much as they can understand conditions, rights, productivity, sustainability and economic growth.
UHM – Over the past 20 years, the restructuring process has accelerated. This has helped our economy to shift from one built on monopolies and protectionism to one that is liberalised and open. The traditional groupings of workers represented by their union at various places of work have slowly shifted to a one-to-one contract of employment approach.
This process has inadvertently led to the erosion of worker solidarity. Micro and small enterprises employing fewer than 10 workers also flourish in Malta. Unfortunately, for various reasons workers employed in these companies tend not to join a union.
Malta, and subsequently trade unions, have also suffered from the disadvantages of globalisation and the relocation of international enterprise to other countries. Furthermore, the recession took its toll on employment and this is reflected in unions’ membership figures.
This on its own has affected the figures of trade union membership negatively.
GWU – Certainly, the role of trade unions has changed over the years. As a matter of fact, the GWU adjusted its working tools but not its principles. For example, today the GWU considers itself as a ‘union for the family’ rather than ‘for the worker only’. Indeed, over the years we have extended our educational arm and we are also interested in consumer rights.
During the National Congress of October 2009, the GWU launched six proactive policies regarding migrant workers, LGBT workers, equality at the place of work, and data protection.
These indicate the forward-looking approach the union is taking. It is obvious that, as years go by, trade unions need to offer a more personalised, fully confidential, online service to workers. The GWU is well prepared and well equipped to provide such services.
3. Are you finding it more difficult to retain membership?
Please explain.
MAM – Not really; however the younger generation sometimes has unrealistic expectations of getting rich quickly without having to sweat it out. The role of enhancing the level of education and professionalism is sometimes difficult to explain to the up-and-coming generation.
MUT – On the contrary, membership of the MUT has gradually increased over the past few years. There is also mounting interest in our union’s activities and member participation is also very encouraging. More than 90 per cent of all teaching grades are part of this union. This is mainly due to the democratic structure of the union – its president and executive council are elected directly by paid-up members through a postal ballot. The MUT Council is directly representative of its membership and is therefore very responsive to the reality of the workplace.
MUBE – In the current circumstances, retention has become a key factor to membership but I believe that if unions are proactive and focused on what is required by the business and the members’ real needs, retention would become easier and new recruitment is also a great possibility. While turnover in membership is sometimes due to increased flexibility in the labour market, consolidation and communication with members have become increasingly important and play a key role in the membership ‘growth’ of a trade union. It is all about how modern industrial relations are approached.
The role of a trade union official has become more difficult to handle and has changed very much into a more technical one. Knowledge has become most essential to the cause. Knowing how business is changing and how to tackle and adapt to complex situations while smoothly communicating and helping in the implementation of change will make a big difference between retaining and growing.
UHM – Addressing union membership is a challenge that gives unions a new role and a new identity with the same values and principles in a world where work means something different to what it did in the past.
The introduction of new work practices such as tele-working, part-time work and other forms of employment led workers to believe that they did not need a union.
Various standard conditions of work were transposed into our legislation after Malta joined the European Union and conditions of work were therefore improved.
The new phenomenon, with various private firms and government authorities introducing self-employment at all levels, is also affecting union membership negatively.
Self-employment contracts are being given to various categories of workers to bypass the relationship between an employer and an employee. This is eroding the conditions of work that a worker might be entitled to.
Notwithstanding these poor conditions of work, workers served with such contracts still do not join a union.
GWU – The closing down of places of work will always adversely affect trade union membership. Besides, we were faced with a scenario where workers in different sectors of employment were being offered early retirement schemes. However, the hardest task facing trade unions today is the phenomenon where certain employers make it difficult for their employees – to the extent of terrorising them – to join a trade union. Unfortunately, such a shocking situation is on the increase.
This is being done so that employers will be free to offer individual, at times miserable and precarious, conditions and pay, even less than what is provided for by law. The GWU was the first to voice its concern about this phenomenon and will surely be intensifying its efforts in this regard.
Yet, there are employees who will always look for trade union protection. Besides, it is a fact that white-collar employees in the services sectors require different service from their blue-collar counterparts and indeed, the GWU was and is currently working to continue updating its services and presence among employees.
4. Do you think that unions still have an important role to play today?
MAM – Today, policy makers and governments engage in social dialogue. Trade unions must realise they have to communicate the thoughts of their members and, on the other hand, must lead the way when changes are necessary.
For a successful trade union one must have credibility based on a sound knowledge of the issues involved and engage in discussions that lead to improvement in the quality of the service provided, besides the betterment conditions of work. Furthermore, when legislation or administrative changes are implemented, trade unions must use their credibility and be persuasive that what they recommend will result in better decision-making and smoother implementation.
Our new and increasingly important role is in
influencing government policy.
MUT – Unions today, more than ever before, have an extremely important social role. Within the European Union, trade unions are acknowledged as representing workers on a wide array of social and economic issues. Locally, trade unions ought to collaborate more in this respect. There is a lot of potential in synergistic cooperation in areas of common concerns – health and safety issues, family friendly measures, gender issues and so on, which are not being actualised to the full. On the initiative of the MUT, an invitation was sent to all local trade unions to join its efforts and forge some kind of forum where such issues of common concern could be addressed together. This call was embraced by 12 trade unions, which have since then formed the Ghaqda Unions Maltin. Together we look forward to greater cooperation and concerted efforts between unions for the benefit of the workers we represent.
MUBE – Trade unions can only play a very important role today by being dynamic and proactive. In fact, the recent recession demanded open, honest and effective dialogue, which in actual fact required good and mature levels of understanding from all social partners. Unions can do a lot of effective work by acting as ‘agents of change’ when dealing with their own members, and this is sometimes very much underestimated not only in Malta but also internationally.
Obviously, being responsible and accountable on how unions communicate realistically what is required to support a business while maintaining decent conditions for their members is the crux of the matter, especially during the economic recession that Malta and the rest of the world is going through. As an example, one has to look also at how the latest pre-budget consultation process was conducted which enabled unions, along with all stakeholders, to realistically evaluate the present economic situation and what the trends are. Establishing understanding with the aim of reaching consensus with the unions positively taking centre stage is an ideal way forward. It is a question of leadership and how policy is applied.
UHM – Like many other organisations and associations, trade unions have many valid ideas, very attractive objectives and coherent ways of achieving their goals, but the need to convince workers to collectively take part and search for solutions to their problems and concerns remains central.
Unions are one of the important pillars in sustaining industrial democracy. Independent trade unions will continue to have a role to play in the future and provide society with the necessary checks and balances at the place of work and on a national level.
While figures for any union are an important feature, most unions have made it through various difficulties over a period of time. They have been occasionally dented, but not conquered.
The UHM will continue striving to reflect the aspirations of workers, pensioners and their families with energy, strength and with a clear vision and conscience. Our agenda is built on workers’ aspirations and the national good.
GWU – Definitely and absolutely yes. Trade unions today are not only important but also essential. Also, the fact that much more than half of the working population is organised reflects the importance that workers give to trade unions.
With the world of work changing rapidly and with new work practices being introduced, it is unimaginable to have a world of work with no trade unions, that is, without organisations that set important parameters in which employee relations take place.
If one takes into account the effects of the global recession, one immediately realises the need for trade unions and that they are more relevant than ever before. One also has to point out that it was the GWU that first came out with the proposal of urging the government to initiate a rescue plan to aid those companies that were going through difficult times as a consequence of the recession.
And surely this GWU initiative saved jobs, even if this fact is not publicly acknowledged and, unfortunately, credit is always given only to the government. This one example shows that trade unions are also major stakeholders in the economic development of society and the country. Besides, it must be noted that the unions represent workers on important government boards and institutions and so if they cease to exist employees will hardly have a voice in national and international fora. Trade unions still have an important role to play but the tactics have to change because the rules of the game have changed too.
http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=103760
28 March 2010
by Stephen Calleja
While the workforce continues to increase – there are some 144,000 gainfully occupied people – the number of members of trade unions continues to decline. At the last count, in June 2009, 83,433 people belonged to a trade union – with a number of them being paid-up members of more than one union. In June of 2007, the number was 88,017, which went down to 84,172 in June 2008. Stephen Calleja asked the six major unions in the country to analyse the trade union situation and what they see as the way forward. The Malta Medical Association, through president Martin Balzan, the Malta Union of Teachers, through president John Bencini, the Malta Union of Bank Employees, through president William Portelli, the Union Haddiema Maghqudin, through secretary-general Gejtu Vella and the General Workers Union, through secretary-general Tony Zarb, answered the questions; the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses did not respond
1. The number of union members is on the decline. To what do you attribute this phenomenon?
MAM – This is not the case with MAM, where membership has been steady at around 690 members – about double the number MAM had in 2000.
MUT –The decline in trade union membership in European countries may be largely attributed to the increasing complexity of labour market forces.
Trade unions must keep themselves abreast of developments, adopt a more proactive stand and offer a wider range of services to members, both at the collective and individual level.
Locally, trade union membership is still strong and this is due to the good service provided to members and the trust which these in turn have in their respective unions. In fact, one has to be cautious with generic statements about union membership. A closer look at particular sectors might provide interesting findings. Take the education sector for instance – trade union membership has increased steadily over the last few years.
MUBE – I always said that trade unionism in Malta needs a new face and the decline in membership proves it. Shameful scenes such as those of 28 February and 1 March (during the energy protest march organised by the GWU and Forum) do not help and several unions have to change their mentality. What I can say is that the CMTU and the UHM are trying to change the ‘old face’ profile of trade unionism to a more trendy, vibrant and ‘businesslike’ profile that suits today’s needs and business exigencies. However, this must be smartly negotiated and implemented so as to ensure that effective social dialogue and compromise win, meaning that all stakeholders’ would benefit.
UHM – Trade unions in Malta are no different from other trade unions in Europe. They are facing the same challenges. Trade union membership is on the decline in many European countries.
However in Malta we still have high union density. As Malta is small, workers enjoy personal contacts with all union officials and this has helped to maintain a relatively high level of effective communication.
Malta has been going through a process of planned and unplanned restructuring, in both the public and private sector, for many years. This is an ongoing exercise, as the workplaces continue to evolve and become more knowledge-based. Shifting from the traditional labour-intensive plants to more value added enterprises has led to a portion of workers refraining from joining a union.
GWU – There are various factors that, to an extent, led to a decline in trade union membership. Today, more workers are working in a highly personalised environment and this situation has left its mark on union membership. It is a reality that the concept of individualism is also affecting the value of solidarity on which trade unions are based. In view of this phenomenon, the GWU has extended its services to this growing category of workers, in particular those who are employed under a definite or indefinite contract of employment.
Another reason for trade union decline is that today many have succeeded in infecting the workers with the plague of egoism, where workers are being encouraged to fend for themselves and ignore trade union solidarity. In this respect, the GWU is working hard to rid the minds of workers from this disease, which undermines the solidarity that is essential for workers.
One also cannot ignore the fact that various companies either closed shop in Malta and relocated, or laid off workers especially in this time of recession. We have also heard of cases in breach of the freedom of association, where workers are employed on condition that they do not join a union.
2. In what way has the role of trade unions changed from 20, 30
years ago?
MAM – The role of trade unions has to change from being militant and bullying to understanding the needs of the employer, being constructive and persuasive to find solutions, which result in higher productivity and better working conditions for employees. The traditional formula, where trade unions always ask that employees work less and get paid more is over. We have to convince our members that higher flexibility and productivity in the long run will result in a better work package.
MUT – Trade unions have assumed a wider sphere of activity. In the European Union, trade unions are not only encouraged – but also expected – to participate in tripartite policy-making structures. The principle of social dialogue is indeed the very heart and soul of EU socio-economic policy. Within this context, trade unions are expected to contribute on a wider dimension as a
matter of right and duty.
Locally, the concept of social dialogue is still in its embryonic phase. Hence the domain of trade unions is still seen largely as representation of members on purely work-related issues. This is diametrically opposed to the European social dialogue model, where trade union involvement in socio-economic policy-making structures is seen as a sine qua non.
MUBE – Long gone is the priority to take a militant approach or to march in protest with ‘name and shame’ agendas with the intention of ‘firing’ up crowds to ‘pump up’ successful militant strike action. Long gone is the idea of a situation where unions are on their own against employer representatives in a cat and mouse game. The crucial change has become even more evident since the recession struck.
Contrary to what some may think, the role of trade unionism has become increasingly important once there are unions that can act as ‘agents of change’ and once there are unions that can understand business as much as they can understand conditions, rights, productivity, sustainability and economic growth.
UHM – Over the past 20 years, the restructuring process has accelerated. This has helped our economy to shift from one built on monopolies and protectionism to one that is liberalised and open. The traditional groupings of workers represented by their union at various places of work have slowly shifted to a one-to-one contract of employment approach.
This process has inadvertently led to the erosion of worker solidarity. Micro and small enterprises employing fewer than 10 workers also flourish in Malta. Unfortunately, for various reasons workers employed in these companies tend not to join a union.
Malta, and subsequently trade unions, have also suffered from the disadvantages of globalisation and the relocation of international enterprise to other countries. Furthermore, the recession took its toll on employment and this is reflected in unions’ membership figures.
This on its own has affected the figures of trade union membership negatively.
GWU – Certainly, the role of trade unions has changed over the years. As a matter of fact, the GWU adjusted its working tools but not its principles. For example, today the GWU considers itself as a ‘union for the family’ rather than ‘for the worker only’. Indeed, over the years we have extended our educational arm and we are also interested in consumer rights.
During the National Congress of October 2009, the GWU launched six proactive policies regarding migrant workers, LGBT workers, equality at the place of work, and data protection.
These indicate the forward-looking approach the union is taking. It is obvious that, as years go by, trade unions need to offer a more personalised, fully confidential, online service to workers. The GWU is well prepared and well equipped to provide such services.
3. Are you finding it more difficult to retain membership?
Please explain.
MAM – Not really; however the younger generation sometimes has unrealistic expectations of getting rich quickly without having to sweat it out. The role of enhancing the level of education and professionalism is sometimes difficult to explain to the up-and-coming generation.
MUT – On the contrary, membership of the MUT has gradually increased over the past few years. There is also mounting interest in our union’s activities and member participation is also very encouraging. More than 90 per cent of all teaching grades are part of this union. This is mainly due to the democratic structure of the union – its president and executive council are elected directly by paid-up members through a postal ballot. The MUT Council is directly representative of its membership and is therefore very responsive to the reality of the workplace.
MUBE – In the current circumstances, retention has become a key factor to membership but I believe that if unions are proactive and focused on what is required by the business and the members’ real needs, retention would become easier and new recruitment is also a great possibility. While turnover in membership is sometimes due to increased flexibility in the labour market, consolidation and communication with members have become increasingly important and play a key role in the membership ‘growth’ of a trade union. It is all about how modern industrial relations are approached.
The role of a trade union official has become more difficult to handle and has changed very much into a more technical one. Knowledge has become most essential to the cause. Knowing how business is changing and how to tackle and adapt to complex situations while smoothly communicating and helping in the implementation of change will make a big difference between retaining and growing.
UHM – Addressing union membership is a challenge that gives unions a new role and a new identity with the same values and principles in a world where work means something different to what it did in the past.
The introduction of new work practices such as tele-working, part-time work and other forms of employment led workers to believe that they did not need a union.
Various standard conditions of work were transposed into our legislation after Malta joined the European Union and conditions of work were therefore improved.
The new phenomenon, with various private firms and government authorities introducing self-employment at all levels, is also affecting union membership negatively.
Self-employment contracts are being given to various categories of workers to bypass the relationship between an employer and an employee. This is eroding the conditions of work that a worker might be entitled to.
Notwithstanding these poor conditions of work, workers served with such contracts still do not join a union.
GWU – The closing down of places of work will always adversely affect trade union membership. Besides, we were faced with a scenario where workers in different sectors of employment were being offered early retirement schemes. However, the hardest task facing trade unions today is the phenomenon where certain employers make it difficult for their employees – to the extent of terrorising them – to join a trade union. Unfortunately, such a shocking situation is on the increase.
This is being done so that employers will be free to offer individual, at times miserable and precarious, conditions and pay, even less than what is provided for by law. The GWU was the first to voice its concern about this phenomenon and will surely be intensifying its efforts in this regard.
Yet, there are employees who will always look for trade union protection. Besides, it is a fact that white-collar employees in the services sectors require different service from their blue-collar counterparts and indeed, the GWU was and is currently working to continue updating its services and presence among employees.
4. Do you think that unions still have an important role to play today?
MAM – Today, policy makers and governments engage in social dialogue. Trade unions must realise they have to communicate the thoughts of their members and, on the other hand, must lead the way when changes are necessary.
For a successful trade union one must have credibility based on a sound knowledge of the issues involved and engage in discussions that lead to improvement in the quality of the service provided, besides the betterment conditions of work. Furthermore, when legislation or administrative changes are implemented, trade unions must use their credibility and be persuasive that what they recommend will result in better decision-making and smoother implementation.
Our new and increasingly important role is in
influencing government policy.
MUT – Unions today, more than ever before, have an extremely important social role. Within the European Union, trade unions are acknowledged as representing workers on a wide array of social and economic issues. Locally, trade unions ought to collaborate more in this respect. There is a lot of potential in synergistic cooperation in areas of common concerns – health and safety issues, family friendly measures, gender issues and so on, which are not being actualised to the full. On the initiative of the MUT, an invitation was sent to all local trade unions to join its efforts and forge some kind of forum where such issues of common concern could be addressed together. This call was embraced by 12 trade unions, which have since then formed the Ghaqda Unions Maltin. Together we look forward to greater cooperation and concerted efforts between unions for the benefit of the workers we represent.
MUBE – Trade unions can only play a very important role today by being dynamic and proactive. In fact, the recent recession demanded open, honest and effective dialogue, which in actual fact required good and mature levels of understanding from all social partners. Unions can do a lot of effective work by acting as ‘agents of change’ when dealing with their own members, and this is sometimes very much underestimated not only in Malta but also internationally.
Obviously, being responsible and accountable on how unions communicate realistically what is required to support a business while maintaining decent conditions for their members is the crux of the matter, especially during the economic recession that Malta and the rest of the world is going through. As an example, one has to look also at how the latest pre-budget consultation process was conducted which enabled unions, along with all stakeholders, to realistically evaluate the present economic situation and what the trends are. Establishing understanding with the aim of reaching consensus with the unions positively taking centre stage is an ideal way forward. It is a question of leadership and how policy is applied.
UHM – Like many other organisations and associations, trade unions have many valid ideas, very attractive objectives and coherent ways of achieving their goals, but the need to convince workers to collectively take part and search for solutions to their problems and concerns remains central.
Unions are one of the important pillars in sustaining industrial democracy. Independent trade unions will continue to have a role to play in the future and provide society with the necessary checks and balances at the place of work and on a national level.
While figures for any union are an important feature, most unions have made it through various difficulties over a period of time. They have been occasionally dented, but not conquered.
The UHM will continue striving to reflect the aspirations of workers, pensioners and their families with energy, strength and with a clear vision and conscience. Our agenda is built on workers’ aspirations and the national good.
GWU – Definitely and absolutely yes. Trade unions today are not only important but also essential. Also, the fact that much more than half of the working population is organised reflects the importance that workers give to trade unions.
With the world of work changing rapidly and with new work practices being introduced, it is unimaginable to have a world of work with no trade unions, that is, without organisations that set important parameters in which employee relations take place.
If one takes into account the effects of the global recession, one immediately realises the need for trade unions and that they are more relevant than ever before. One also has to point out that it was the GWU that first came out with the proposal of urging the government to initiate a rescue plan to aid those companies that were going through difficult times as a consequence of the recession.
And surely this GWU initiative saved jobs, even if this fact is not publicly acknowledged and, unfortunately, credit is always given only to the government. This one example shows that trade unions are also major stakeholders in the economic development of society and the country. Besides, it must be noted that the unions represent workers on important government boards and institutions and so if they cease to exist employees will hardly have a voice in national and international fora. Trade unions still have an important role to play but the tactics have to change because the rules of the game have changed too.
http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=103760
Chamber disagrees with minimumraise change
The Malta Independent online
27 March 2010
The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry “cannot disagree more” with the proposal made by Caritas director Mgr Victor Grech, to raise the minimum wage to address social problems.
The chamber’s annual general meeting was told by president Helga Ellul that as stated by the Prime Minister, “we feel that the social issues are being addressed by the social safety net”. Only business and enterprise can sustain the country’s safety net, she said, but for business to do so, “we must all ensure it remains competitive. At this particularly sensitive time, we need to consolidate our competitiveness.”
Ms Ellul said they had insisted with the European authorities, that the only way to safeguard jobs and growth was through competitiveness. “We stated that the EU institutions need to make greater efforts to develop enterprise-friendly policies based on market economy principles. The aim should be to achieve stronger coherence between economic policy and ambitious environment and labour-market policies. EU regulation, in these particular areas should not contain new and unnecessary burdens on business.
“We made these arguments very clearly at the European level in relation to the proposals to extend maternity leave as well as on the issue of climate change where the European Union proposed to extend CO2 reduction targets to 30 per cent. On both counts we stated that at this particularly sensitive time, there should be no new, unnecessary burdens on business.”
The business community has been going through the stage of eco-contribution refunds and exemptions. After extended talks with the authorities there is a sound basis of agreement for refunds of the eco-contribution.
“In terms of exemptions, the relevant legal notice was published in February but our members cannot benefit from exemptions and must continue to pay both eco-contribution and charges for their waste management schemes. Why? – because the approving body to decide on exemptions has not been set up and the other procedures have not been finalised.
“Why? – because it seems time does not have the same bearing in the public sector as in business. It seems to be quite acceptable in the public sector that months and years go by with us incurring extra costs without any action being taken to give us what should have been rightfully ours since 2005. The authorities need to finally put their act together and stop passing the buck from one authority to another.”
The eco-contribution has also increased the problem of abuse in the free movement of goods because illicit traders are attracted to products that carry the highest levels of taxation. For several years, the chamber has been insisting with the authorities to put the necessary mechanisms in place to ensure the fair competition in the interest of law-abiding members. There has always been a willingness to listen and take views on board, Ms Ellul said,
“However it takes too much time for the authorities to translate willingness into action. Meanwhile, precious time continues to be lost and within this lost time:
• Our members are losing rightful business;
• The government is losing precious tax revenue;
• Consumer interests are continuously undermined
“I am glad to state that we have this week held very positive talks with Parliamentary Secretaries Chris Said and Jason Azzopardi who have agreed to co-ordinate with us closely to tackle this issue.”
http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=103739
27 March 2010
The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry “cannot disagree more” with the proposal made by Caritas director Mgr Victor Grech, to raise the minimum wage to address social problems.
The chamber’s annual general meeting was told by president Helga Ellul that as stated by the Prime Minister, “we feel that the social issues are being addressed by the social safety net”. Only business and enterprise can sustain the country’s safety net, she said, but for business to do so, “we must all ensure it remains competitive. At this particularly sensitive time, we need to consolidate our competitiveness.”
Ms Ellul said they had insisted with the European authorities, that the only way to safeguard jobs and growth was through competitiveness. “We stated that the EU institutions need to make greater efforts to develop enterprise-friendly policies based on market economy principles. The aim should be to achieve stronger coherence between economic policy and ambitious environment and labour-market policies. EU regulation, in these particular areas should not contain new and unnecessary burdens on business.
“We made these arguments very clearly at the European level in relation to the proposals to extend maternity leave as well as on the issue of climate change where the European Union proposed to extend CO2 reduction targets to 30 per cent. On both counts we stated that at this particularly sensitive time, there should be no new, unnecessary burdens on business.”
The business community has been going through the stage of eco-contribution refunds and exemptions. After extended talks with the authorities there is a sound basis of agreement for refunds of the eco-contribution.
“In terms of exemptions, the relevant legal notice was published in February but our members cannot benefit from exemptions and must continue to pay both eco-contribution and charges for their waste management schemes. Why? – because the approving body to decide on exemptions has not been set up and the other procedures have not been finalised.
“Why? – because it seems time does not have the same bearing in the public sector as in business. It seems to be quite acceptable in the public sector that months and years go by with us incurring extra costs without any action being taken to give us what should have been rightfully ours since 2005. The authorities need to finally put their act together and stop passing the buck from one authority to another.”
The eco-contribution has also increased the problem of abuse in the free movement of goods because illicit traders are attracted to products that carry the highest levels of taxation. For several years, the chamber has been insisting with the authorities to put the necessary mechanisms in place to ensure the fair competition in the interest of law-abiding members. There has always been a willingness to listen and take views on board, Ms Ellul said,
“However it takes too much time for the authorities to translate willingness into action. Meanwhile, precious time continues to be lost and within this lost time:
• Our members are losing rightful business;
• The government is losing precious tax revenue;
• Consumer interests are continuously undermined
“I am glad to state that we have this week held very positive talks with Parliamentary Secretaries Chris Said and Jason Azzopardi who have agreed to co-ordinate with us closely to tackle this issue.”
http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=103739
Children's access to culture
The Times of Malta
Saturday, 27th March 2010
Talking Point
Carmen Zammit
In 2008, the Office of the Commissioner for Children launched the Manifesto For Children, a publication aimed at highlighting the need to address children's issues in various sectors, promoting their holistic development in the best way possible.
Among the issues put forward in the manifesto was that of culture, with the document clearly stating that "Culture is the birthright of every child, contributing towards their creativity and identity formation. They have a right to know, understand and explore their culture in a creative way. Opportunities and accessibility to culture and the arts should continue to be built upon and provided for children in order for them to not only learn about culture and the arts but to enjoy it" (p.17).
The Manifesto For Children also highlighted the need for an implemented cultural policy and cultural strategy, further implementation of culture in its broadest sense within the national curriculum and efforts to encourage cross-cultural understanding and respect for different cultures in the classroom and in recreational activities.
It was as a result of this acknowledged need for children to have the opportunity to thrive within a rich cultural environment that I was pleased to note the recent launch of the Cultural Policy, spearheaded by the then Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport. I was particularly glad to note that the Cultural Policy incorporated a special focus on children and on the central role to be played by the education system in recognising "the right of children to be creators of art and to experience self-formation through the interpretation of heritage" (p.36).
The policy further recognises the rights of children "as participative members of a dynamic society" (p.36) requiring a strengthened and renewed synergy between education and culture, the former being a primary vehicle in bringing children's talents and creativity skills to the fore and allowing them to flourish and develop to their fullest potential. Numerous initiatives are outlined in order for these goals to be reached, and it is hoped that these are fully implemented and further enhanced with continuing work in this field.
It is crucial for this policy, and other work to be accomplished within this sector, to continue to keep the child at the forefront of consideration, particularly in line with the principles put forward within the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, ratified by Malta in 1990.
With regard to education, the convention states that "the education of the child shall be directed to: a) the development of the child's personality, talents and mental and physical abilities to their fullest potential; b) the development of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms; c) the development of respect for the child's parents, his or her own cultural identity, language and values, for the national values of the country in which the child is living, the country from which he or she may originate, and for civilisations different from his or her own; d) the preparation of the child for responsible life in a free society in the spirit of understanding, peace, tolerance, equality of the sexes and friendship among all peoples, ethnic, national and religious groups and persons of indigenous origin; e) the development of respect for the natural environment" (article 29, UN CRC).
The element of child participation is also given high importance within the convention, through article 31, which recognises "the right of the child to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child and to participate freely in cultural life and the arts". This article further states that "states parties shall respect and promote the right of the child to participate fully in cultural and artistic life and shall encourage the provision of appropriate and equal opportunities for cultural, artistic, recreational and leisure activity".
The fact that the Cultural Policy incorporates, albeit indirectly, the principles enshrined in the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child is a very important step. It would be beneficial to include a more formal acknowledgement within the policy of the UN CRC, particularly in light of the recent 20th anniversary celebrations marking the significance of this document, which to this day remains the most widely ratified UN convention in the world.
In doing so, it signifies that the rights and best interests of the child remain at the forefront of our consideration in policy planning and implementation. It should be a guiding principle in our collective efforts to empower cultural activity to the highest possible degree and foster a high level of participation and involvement within the cultural sphere.
It is crucial that opportunities for accessibility to culture are worked upon, particularly in reaching the socially excluded (or those "at risk" of social exclusion) and vulnerable members of society. Culture is for all, and a strategy aimed at developing the artistic and creative capabilities of our children (as well as other vulnerable members of society) through increased opportunities and access to culture further underlines this.
The author is Commissioner for Children
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100327/opinion/childrens-access-to-culture
Saturday, 27th March 2010
Talking Point
Carmen Zammit
In 2008, the Office of the Commissioner for Children launched the Manifesto For Children, a publication aimed at highlighting the need to address children's issues in various sectors, promoting their holistic development in the best way possible.
Among the issues put forward in the manifesto was that of culture, with the document clearly stating that "Culture is the birthright of every child, contributing towards their creativity and identity formation. They have a right to know, understand and explore their culture in a creative way. Opportunities and accessibility to culture and the arts should continue to be built upon and provided for children in order for them to not only learn about culture and the arts but to enjoy it" (p.17).
The Manifesto For Children also highlighted the need for an implemented cultural policy and cultural strategy, further implementation of culture in its broadest sense within the national curriculum and efforts to encourage cross-cultural understanding and respect for different cultures in the classroom and in recreational activities.
It was as a result of this acknowledged need for children to have the opportunity to thrive within a rich cultural environment that I was pleased to note the recent launch of the Cultural Policy, spearheaded by the then Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport. I was particularly glad to note that the Cultural Policy incorporated a special focus on children and on the central role to be played by the education system in recognising "the right of children to be creators of art and to experience self-formation through the interpretation of heritage" (p.36).
The policy further recognises the rights of children "as participative members of a dynamic society" (p.36) requiring a strengthened and renewed synergy between education and culture, the former being a primary vehicle in bringing children's talents and creativity skills to the fore and allowing them to flourish and develop to their fullest potential. Numerous initiatives are outlined in order for these goals to be reached, and it is hoped that these are fully implemented and further enhanced with continuing work in this field.
It is crucial for this policy, and other work to be accomplished within this sector, to continue to keep the child at the forefront of consideration, particularly in line with the principles put forward within the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, ratified by Malta in 1990.
With regard to education, the convention states that "the education of the child shall be directed to: a) the development of the child's personality, talents and mental and physical abilities to their fullest potential; b) the development of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms; c) the development of respect for the child's parents, his or her own cultural identity, language and values, for the national values of the country in which the child is living, the country from which he or she may originate, and for civilisations different from his or her own; d) the preparation of the child for responsible life in a free society in the spirit of understanding, peace, tolerance, equality of the sexes and friendship among all peoples, ethnic, national and religious groups and persons of indigenous origin; e) the development of respect for the natural environment" (article 29, UN CRC).
The element of child participation is also given high importance within the convention, through article 31, which recognises "the right of the child to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child and to participate freely in cultural life and the arts". This article further states that "states parties shall respect and promote the right of the child to participate fully in cultural and artistic life and shall encourage the provision of appropriate and equal opportunities for cultural, artistic, recreational and leisure activity".
The fact that the Cultural Policy incorporates, albeit indirectly, the principles enshrined in the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child is a very important step. It would be beneficial to include a more formal acknowledgement within the policy of the UN CRC, particularly in light of the recent 20th anniversary celebrations marking the significance of this document, which to this day remains the most widely ratified UN convention in the world.
In doing so, it signifies that the rights and best interests of the child remain at the forefront of our consideration in policy planning and implementation. It should be a guiding principle in our collective efforts to empower cultural activity to the highest possible degree and foster a high level of participation and involvement within the cultural sphere.
It is crucial that opportunities for accessibility to culture are worked upon, particularly in reaching the socially excluded (or those "at risk" of social exclusion) and vulnerable members of society. Culture is for all, and a strategy aimed at developing the artistic and creative capabilities of our children (as well as other vulnerable members of society) through increased opportunities and access to culture further underlines this.
The author is Commissioner for Children
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100327/opinion/childrens-access-to-culture
Disabled persons. Growth of register pinned on better services, less stigma
The Times of Malta
Saturday, 27th March 2010
Cynthia Busuttil
Occupational therapist Vicky Sciberras (foreground) speaking to Family Minister Dolores Cristina. Photo: Jason Borg
Better services for disabled persons and higher tolerance are believed to be the reasons behind an increase in the number of people on the disability register.
The number has more than tripled in eight years, going up to 11,673 last year from 3,330 in 1994, the National Commission Persons with Disability's annual report, which was launched yesterday, shows.
According to commission chairman Joe Camilleri, limited services in the past failed to encourage people to register their disability.
Moreover, a change in perception of disability means more people are prepared to be listed on the register because they are less afraid of stigma.
However, the number of people applying for a special identity card went down by 19 per cent between 2008 and last year, mainly because it is no longer necessary to hold for access disability services. Almost 1,000 special identity cards were withdrawn last year.
Applications for a blue badge, which allows people to park their car on special parking spots, have gone down by a third between 2008 and 2009, with just over 1,000 people applying for it last year.
The commission's former executive director, Fred Bezzina, said this was probably due to more stringent procedures to approve a blue badge, which curbed the number of frivolous applications.
There was also a reduction in applications for special aid, with 245 people benefitting last year, 19 per cent less than in 2008.
Last year the commission vetted 766 development applications for accessibility, more than half of which had to be seen more than once before they were approved. This was described by Mr Camilleri as a "big waste of resources", especially since 52 applications had to be examined more than three times.
In a bid to help people with a disability choose special equipment they require, the commission will be opening a special centre later this year.
The €1.5 million Independent Living Centre, in Ħal Far, will be a one-stop-shop where equipment can be seen and tested before it is bought. The centre is expected to open later this year.
Speaking during the launch of the report, Family Minister Dolores Cristina said the government wanted to redesign the disability benefits but added these should not stop people from going out to work.
She said work in the coming years had to reflect the principles of equal opportunity, adding that respect for diversity still did not come as second nature.
Mrs Cristina said disabled persons should not be pitied because, although they tended to be more vulnerable, there were those who managed to overcome their limitations. However, education remained the key and the reform in special schools was targeted at helping disabled persons become more independent.
But Mrs Cristina said employers were still not convinced of the contribution these people could give because of fear of the unknown. "We need to work to overcome this, because this leaves us with people on the disability register," she said.
The minister said transport was one of the difficulties students attending post-secondary and tertiary education institutions encountered and a working group was looking at requests for personalised transport. However, this was a big investment and could only be given to those who really needed it.
Referring to parents' concern about who would take care of their disabled children when they were no longer able to do so, Mrs Cristina said it was imperative to focus on new centres for independent living.
Salient figures
• 304 people benefitted from an exemption on car duty and road licence.
• There were 22 appeals for reserved parking, but 68 per cent were not accepted.
• Almost 500 disabled people were given back VAT paid on equipment and computers; 10 per cent more than in 2008.
• Users of the resources centre went down by almost half, possibly because young people preferred to use the internet for research.
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100327/local/growth-of-register-pinned-on-better-services-less-stigma
Saturday, 27th March 2010
Cynthia Busuttil
Occupational therapist Vicky Sciberras (foreground) speaking to Family Minister Dolores Cristina. Photo: Jason Borg
Better services for disabled persons and higher tolerance are believed to be the reasons behind an increase in the number of people on the disability register.
The number has more than tripled in eight years, going up to 11,673 last year from 3,330 in 1994, the National Commission Persons with Disability's annual report, which was launched yesterday, shows.
According to commission chairman Joe Camilleri, limited services in the past failed to encourage people to register their disability.
Moreover, a change in perception of disability means more people are prepared to be listed on the register because they are less afraid of stigma.
However, the number of people applying for a special identity card went down by 19 per cent between 2008 and last year, mainly because it is no longer necessary to hold for access disability services. Almost 1,000 special identity cards were withdrawn last year.
Applications for a blue badge, which allows people to park their car on special parking spots, have gone down by a third between 2008 and 2009, with just over 1,000 people applying for it last year.
The commission's former executive director, Fred Bezzina, said this was probably due to more stringent procedures to approve a blue badge, which curbed the number of frivolous applications.
There was also a reduction in applications for special aid, with 245 people benefitting last year, 19 per cent less than in 2008.
Last year the commission vetted 766 development applications for accessibility, more than half of which had to be seen more than once before they were approved. This was described by Mr Camilleri as a "big waste of resources", especially since 52 applications had to be examined more than three times.
In a bid to help people with a disability choose special equipment they require, the commission will be opening a special centre later this year.
The €1.5 million Independent Living Centre, in Ħal Far, will be a one-stop-shop where equipment can be seen and tested before it is bought. The centre is expected to open later this year.
Speaking during the launch of the report, Family Minister Dolores Cristina said the government wanted to redesign the disability benefits but added these should not stop people from going out to work.
She said work in the coming years had to reflect the principles of equal opportunity, adding that respect for diversity still did not come as second nature.
Mrs Cristina said disabled persons should not be pitied because, although they tended to be more vulnerable, there were those who managed to overcome their limitations. However, education remained the key and the reform in special schools was targeted at helping disabled persons become more independent.
But Mrs Cristina said employers were still not convinced of the contribution these people could give because of fear of the unknown. "We need to work to overcome this, because this leaves us with people on the disability register," she said.
The minister said transport was one of the difficulties students attending post-secondary and tertiary education institutions encountered and a working group was looking at requests for personalised transport. However, this was a big investment and could only be given to those who really needed it.
Referring to parents' concern about who would take care of their disabled children when they were no longer able to do so, Mrs Cristina said it was imperative to focus on new centres for independent living.
Salient figures
• 304 people benefitted from an exemption on car duty and road licence.
• There were 22 appeals for reserved parking, but 68 per cent were not accepted.
• Almost 500 disabled people were given back VAT paid on equipment and computers; 10 per cent more than in 2008.
• Users of the resources centre went down by almost half, possibly because young people preferred to use the internet for research.
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100327/local/growth-of-register-pinned-on-better-services-less-stigma
Minister stresses imperative need for public health research
The Times of Malta
Saturday, 27th March 2010
Malta had to invest in public health research to maintain the current level of well-being among the population, Health Minister Joe Cassar insisted yesterday.
He said research findings were imperative when drawing up health policy.
"For health policies to be successful, they need to be evidence-based and supported by research findings," he said.
Although local policymakers draw heavily on foreign-based research, this does not replace the needed for local findings which help tailor policies for the needs of the population.
However, public health research should not be solely the government's domain, he said during a conference that looked at the role of NGOs in public health research.
Dr Cassar said free quality health for all was a top priority for the government, which believed every citizen had a right to live many years in good health through treatment and prevention of illness. He said that over the past decade the government's efforts were mainly concentrated on improving public hospital services, but this was not enough.
"We need to implement a series of public health strategies that will strive to bring about healthy well-being for the population now and in the future," he said.
The conference was organised by SOS Malta as part of a two-year EU-financed project - Strengthening Engagement in Public Health Research. It aims to improve public health research in Europe by engaging civil society organisations in dialogue with other stakeholders.
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100327/local/minister-stresses-imperative-need-for-public-health-research
Saturday, 27th March 2010
Malta had to invest in public health research to maintain the current level of well-being among the population, Health Minister Joe Cassar insisted yesterday.
He said research findings were imperative when drawing up health policy.
"For health policies to be successful, they need to be evidence-based and supported by research findings," he said.
Although local policymakers draw heavily on foreign-based research, this does not replace the needed for local findings which help tailor policies for the needs of the population.
However, public health research should not be solely the government's domain, he said during a conference that looked at the role of NGOs in public health research.
Dr Cassar said free quality health for all was a top priority for the government, which believed every citizen had a right to live many years in good health through treatment and prevention of illness. He said that over the past decade the government's efforts were mainly concentrated on improving public hospital services, but this was not enough.
"We need to implement a series of public health strategies that will strive to bring about healthy well-being for the population now and in the future," he said.
The conference was organised by SOS Malta as part of a two-year EU-financed project - Strengthening Engagement in Public Health Research. It aims to improve public health research in Europe by engaging civil society organisations in dialogue with other stakeholders.
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100327/local/minister-stresses-imperative-need-for-public-health-research
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Pharmacists defend prescription proposal
di-ve.com
Current Affairs -- Friday, March 26, 2010 -- 09:10CEST
The Malta Chamber of Pharmacists defended the Health Minister’s proposal to allow pharmacists to prescribe certain medicines, describing it as an “innovative and forward-looking stance.”
In a reaction to a statement issued by the Medical Association of Malta – which is against the proposal – it said that it was inconceivable that “our sister profession” would condemn a proposal that Malta follows certain trends which have been long in place and evolving in countries such as the UK and the US.
“The MAM should seek synergies to enhance teamwork rather than propose long exhausted, feeble/non-sequitur arguments on liberalisation of pharmacy licences and prices of medicines,” the chamber said.
It said that the association was offensive in its attempt to “deprecate pharmacists who are independent health care professionals whose prime interest is to ensure the highest quality of patient care.”
“It takes bona fide professionals to change a mentality and move with the times,” the chamber concluded.
http://www.di-ve.com/Default.aspx?ID=43&Action=1&NewsId=70863¤tPage=10
Current Affairs -- Friday, March 26, 2010 -- 09:10CEST
The Malta Chamber of Pharmacists defended the Health Minister’s proposal to allow pharmacists to prescribe certain medicines, describing it as an “innovative and forward-looking stance.”
In a reaction to a statement issued by the Medical Association of Malta – which is against the proposal – it said that it was inconceivable that “our sister profession” would condemn a proposal that Malta follows certain trends which have been long in place and evolving in countries such as the UK and the US.
“The MAM should seek synergies to enhance teamwork rather than propose long exhausted, feeble/non-sequitur arguments on liberalisation of pharmacy licences and prices of medicines,” the chamber said.
It said that the association was offensive in its attempt to “deprecate pharmacists who are independent health care professionals whose prime interest is to ensure the highest quality of patient care.”
“It takes bona fide professionals to change a mentality and move with the times,” the chamber concluded.
http://www.di-ve.com/Default.aspx?ID=43&Action=1&NewsId=70863¤tPage=10
Constituted bodies clash on medicines prescription reform
The Malta Independent online
26 March 2010
Two medical professional bodies, and a trade organisation, were verbally at each other’s throat yesterday, and the instigator of the colourful spat between the Medical Association of Malta, the pharmacists’ Kamra ta’ l-Ispizjara ta’ Malta, and the GRTU, chamber for small enterprises, would seem to be the Health Ministry, which “surprised and disappointed” the MAM.
The MAM statement arose from a proposed reform which, according to the MAM, allows non-physicians to prescribe medicines. And the MAM also accused pharmacists of abandoning “a critical aspect of patient care”.
But the prescribing by non-physicians was not the only effect the proposed reform would have, according to the MAM. Among other effects mentioned are conflicts of interest, unsafe practices, and what Humphrey Appleby would call a “courageous decision” – a rise in the price of medicines.
The first salvo, after the ministry blast, was fired by the MAM. It opened the gates of hell, because it was followed by a highly volatile pharmacists’ statement issued in reaction, and another statement by the GRTU, which described itself as the national representative of owners of pharmacies in the community.
The MAM said the ministry is considering abandoning the ethical principles in the prescription of medicines. “Patients have the right to be diagnosed by a registered medical practitioner before a medicine can be prescribed,” it said. “This is a basic tenet of patient safety.”
The Medicines Act prevents medical practitioners from dispensing medicines to protect patients from a potential conflict of interest between the prescriber and the dispenser who profits from the sale of medicines.
“The council of the Medical Association of Malta condemns any attempt to allow anybody who is not a registered physician to diagnose and prescribe and then dispense a medicine.
“MAM would like to suggest that a more appropriate reform would be the liberalisation of pharmacy licences to encourage competition which would then drive down the cost of medicines.
“The proposed reform to allow non-physician prescribing will lead to unsafe practice and a conflict of interest which will further raise the price of medicines. Furthermore MAM insists that it is time for the ministry to impose on pharmacies to stock drugs used in medical emergencies. A dangerous lacuna has been created as most have decided to abandon this critical aspect of patient care, and focus on cosmetic products which have nothing to do with the practice of medicine or pharmacy,” the MAM said.
The Kamra ta’ l-Ispizjara ta’ Malta retorted it “is flabbergasted to say the least at the misinformation which is rampantly evident in the MAM’s kneejerk press release issued today (yesterday), on the Minister of Health’s proposal for development of Pharmaceutical Care practices by pharmacists in the best interest of patient outcomes”.
“It is inconceivable that, our sister profession should lambast the fact that the Minister of Health has proposed that Malta should follow certain trends which are and have been, long in place and evolving in countries such as the UK and the US. The MAM should seek synergies to enhance teamwork rather than propose long exhausted, feeble, non sequitur arguments on liberalisation of pharmacy licences and prices of medicines,” the Kamra said.
“MAM is offensive in attempting to deprecate pharmacists who are independent health care professionals whose prime interest is to ensure the highest quality of patient care.
“The Kamra reiterates its full support of the innovative and forward-looking stance taken by the Minister of Health. It takes bona fide professionals to change a mentality and move with the times.”
Not to be outdone, the GRTU called the MAM’s statement an “unwarranted attack”.
The pharmacy licence system operated in Malta, it said, is the system “that has provided privately run and owned pharmacies in the community that has given excellent service to patients throughout Malta and Gozo and that has been solely responsible for the dispensing of medicine to most Maltese at no additional cost to patients, except the controlled price mark-up established at law”.
Pharmacies in the community have no economic power to impose prices that are above the margins marked on importers. “It is therefore incredible that an association of professionals can be so naïve and ignorant of elementary facts of economics to issue a press release so infantile and replete of errors as the one issued by MAM to comment on an issue which is really far out of its remit,” the GRTU said in its flowery statement.
“It is absolutely untrue, and a figment of one’s imagination, to declare that more pharmacies would mean more competition that would drive down the cost of medicines. In countries like Iceland, and Norway, (where) the free market was allowed to reign and governments did not impose a system similar to Malta, the result has been that pharmacies in the peripheries closed down leaving business to flow to pharmacies in the centres with the resultant hardship to the patients in the suburbs and peripheries, who suffered as a result of their lack of accessibility to medicines,” the GRTU said.
The Ministry of Health did not join in the fracas. Maybe it was digesting all that had been said.
http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=103651
26 March 2010
Two medical professional bodies, and a trade organisation, were verbally at each other’s throat yesterday, and the instigator of the colourful spat between the Medical Association of Malta, the pharmacists’ Kamra ta’ l-Ispizjara ta’ Malta, and the GRTU, chamber for small enterprises, would seem to be the Health Ministry, which “surprised and disappointed” the MAM.
The MAM statement arose from a proposed reform which, according to the MAM, allows non-physicians to prescribe medicines. And the MAM also accused pharmacists of abandoning “a critical aspect of patient care”.
But the prescribing by non-physicians was not the only effect the proposed reform would have, according to the MAM. Among other effects mentioned are conflicts of interest, unsafe practices, and what Humphrey Appleby would call a “courageous decision” – a rise in the price of medicines.
The first salvo, after the ministry blast, was fired by the MAM. It opened the gates of hell, because it was followed by a highly volatile pharmacists’ statement issued in reaction, and another statement by the GRTU, which described itself as the national representative of owners of pharmacies in the community.
The MAM said the ministry is considering abandoning the ethical principles in the prescription of medicines. “Patients have the right to be diagnosed by a registered medical practitioner before a medicine can be prescribed,” it said. “This is a basic tenet of patient safety.”
The Medicines Act prevents medical practitioners from dispensing medicines to protect patients from a potential conflict of interest between the prescriber and the dispenser who profits from the sale of medicines.
“The council of the Medical Association of Malta condemns any attempt to allow anybody who is not a registered physician to diagnose and prescribe and then dispense a medicine.
“MAM would like to suggest that a more appropriate reform would be the liberalisation of pharmacy licences to encourage competition which would then drive down the cost of medicines.
“The proposed reform to allow non-physician prescribing will lead to unsafe practice and a conflict of interest which will further raise the price of medicines. Furthermore MAM insists that it is time for the ministry to impose on pharmacies to stock drugs used in medical emergencies. A dangerous lacuna has been created as most have decided to abandon this critical aspect of patient care, and focus on cosmetic products which have nothing to do with the practice of medicine or pharmacy,” the MAM said.
The Kamra ta’ l-Ispizjara ta’ Malta retorted it “is flabbergasted to say the least at the misinformation which is rampantly evident in the MAM’s kneejerk press release issued today (yesterday), on the Minister of Health’s proposal for development of Pharmaceutical Care practices by pharmacists in the best interest of patient outcomes”.
“It is inconceivable that, our sister profession should lambast the fact that the Minister of Health has proposed that Malta should follow certain trends which are and have been, long in place and evolving in countries such as the UK and the US. The MAM should seek synergies to enhance teamwork rather than propose long exhausted, feeble, non sequitur arguments on liberalisation of pharmacy licences and prices of medicines,” the Kamra said.
“MAM is offensive in attempting to deprecate pharmacists who are independent health care professionals whose prime interest is to ensure the highest quality of patient care.
“The Kamra reiterates its full support of the innovative and forward-looking stance taken by the Minister of Health. It takes bona fide professionals to change a mentality and move with the times.”
Not to be outdone, the GRTU called the MAM’s statement an “unwarranted attack”.
The pharmacy licence system operated in Malta, it said, is the system “that has provided privately run and owned pharmacies in the community that has given excellent service to patients throughout Malta and Gozo and that has been solely responsible for the dispensing of medicine to most Maltese at no additional cost to patients, except the controlled price mark-up established at law”.
Pharmacies in the community have no economic power to impose prices that are above the margins marked on importers. “It is therefore incredible that an association of professionals can be so naïve and ignorant of elementary facts of economics to issue a press release so infantile and replete of errors as the one issued by MAM to comment on an issue which is really far out of its remit,” the GRTU said in its flowery statement.
“It is absolutely untrue, and a figment of one’s imagination, to declare that more pharmacies would mean more competition that would drive down the cost of medicines. In countries like Iceland, and Norway, (where) the free market was allowed to reign and governments did not impose a system similar to Malta, the result has been that pharmacies in the peripheries closed down leaving business to flow to pharmacies in the centres with the resultant hardship to the patients in the suburbs and peripheries, who suffered as a result of their lack of accessibility to medicines,” the GRTU said.
The Ministry of Health did not join in the fracas. Maybe it was digesting all that had been said.
http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=103651
MAM's attack on pharmacy licence system unwarranted - GRTU
The Times of Malta
Friday, 26th March 2010 - 09:53CET
The Malta Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises, GRTU this morning condemned the “unwarranted attack” by the Medical Association of Malta on the pharmacy licence system.
In a statement the GRTU said this system regulated privately run and owned pharmacies in the community which give excellent service to patients.
The system was solely responsible for the dispensing of medicine to most Maltese at no additional cost to patients, except the controlled price mark-up established at law.
Pharmacies in the community had no economic power to impose prices that were above the margins marked by importers on the wholesale price of medicine delivered to pharmacies and prices of medicines were the same all over Malta as competition at the pharmacy level did not, and could affect the price of medicines at the pharmacy level, the GRTU said.
“It is, therefore, incredible that an association of professionals can be so naïve and ignorant of elementary facts of economics to issue a press release so infantile and replete of errors as the one issued by MAM to comment on an issue which is really far out of its remit.”
The GRTU said the Health Minister’s proposal to allay the burden some doctors seemed to be complaining about by allowing pharmacists to prescribe medicines, besides being a proposal, had nothing to do with the issue of pharmacy licences and pharmaceutical prices, and MAM was rushing into judgement on this proposal at the risk of downgrading the esteem members of this union had in the public’s eyes.
Licences of pharmacies in the community were regulated by means of an agreement set up to include geographic and demographic principles.
The system ensured that investors would not simply chose the most attractive and profitable locations for investment in complete disregard of other localities which, being small, remote, or not representative of affluent sectors of the community would otherwise remain without a pharmacy.
It was a figment of one’s imagination to declare that more pharmacies would mean more competition that would drive down the cost of medicines.
In countries like Iceland and Norway, where the free market was allowed to reign and governments did not impose a system similar to Malta, the result was that pharmacies in the peripheries closed down leaving business to flow to pharmacies in the centres.
“Incredibly the Medical Association also links unsafe practices to the prices of medicines. This is a rather puerile way of putting forward an argument. There is simply no basis for this assertion.
“It is incredible that an association of medical professionals expresses publicly their ignorance of their understanding of the pharmaceutical market in Malta.
“They have no idea as to how the pharmaceutical supply chain operates and the economics of such a chain and the huge responsibilities of pharmacists, their fellow professionals.
“Unlike doctors, pharmacies have to earn their professional income from the small and controlled margin that remains after they deduct all expenses of running a modern pharmacy fully equipped to meet current market expectations pay all charges, pay all salaries and all costs of medicines and unlike other professionals all professional pharmacists employed in private pharmacies do not charge a professional fee to patients.”
The GRTU said that often enough, pharmacies in the community had to suffer the illicit competition of medicines sold on the market by medical practitioners who sold medicine to patients which was not in their possession.
In other countries there were situations where both dispensing pharmacists and dispensing doctors operated on the same market and this was especially true in remote rural areas.
But the reasons for this dual licensing system had nothing to do with the arguments presented by MAM.
GRTU said that notwithstanding this uncalled for diatribe by MAM against the professionals who owned and managed the pharmacies in the community, pharmacies were more than happy to work with the many doctors they hosted, in a meaningful relationship which benefitted the patient.
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100326/local/mams-attack-on-pharmacy-licence-system-unwarranted-grtu
Friday, 26th March 2010 - 09:53CET
The Malta Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises, GRTU this morning condemned the “unwarranted attack” by the Medical Association of Malta on the pharmacy licence system.
In a statement the GRTU said this system regulated privately run and owned pharmacies in the community which give excellent service to patients.
The system was solely responsible for the dispensing of medicine to most Maltese at no additional cost to patients, except the controlled price mark-up established at law.
Pharmacies in the community had no economic power to impose prices that were above the margins marked by importers on the wholesale price of medicine delivered to pharmacies and prices of medicines were the same all over Malta as competition at the pharmacy level did not, and could affect the price of medicines at the pharmacy level, the GRTU said.
“It is, therefore, incredible that an association of professionals can be so naïve and ignorant of elementary facts of economics to issue a press release so infantile and replete of errors as the one issued by MAM to comment on an issue which is really far out of its remit.”
The GRTU said the Health Minister’s proposal to allay the burden some doctors seemed to be complaining about by allowing pharmacists to prescribe medicines, besides being a proposal, had nothing to do with the issue of pharmacy licences and pharmaceutical prices, and MAM was rushing into judgement on this proposal at the risk of downgrading the esteem members of this union had in the public’s eyes.
Licences of pharmacies in the community were regulated by means of an agreement set up to include geographic and demographic principles.
The system ensured that investors would not simply chose the most attractive and profitable locations for investment in complete disregard of other localities which, being small, remote, or not representative of affluent sectors of the community would otherwise remain without a pharmacy.
It was a figment of one’s imagination to declare that more pharmacies would mean more competition that would drive down the cost of medicines.
In countries like Iceland and Norway, where the free market was allowed to reign and governments did not impose a system similar to Malta, the result was that pharmacies in the peripheries closed down leaving business to flow to pharmacies in the centres.
“Incredibly the Medical Association also links unsafe practices to the prices of medicines. This is a rather puerile way of putting forward an argument. There is simply no basis for this assertion.
“It is incredible that an association of medical professionals expresses publicly their ignorance of their understanding of the pharmaceutical market in Malta.
“They have no idea as to how the pharmaceutical supply chain operates and the economics of such a chain and the huge responsibilities of pharmacists, their fellow professionals.
“Unlike doctors, pharmacies have to earn their professional income from the small and controlled margin that remains after they deduct all expenses of running a modern pharmacy fully equipped to meet current market expectations pay all charges, pay all salaries and all costs of medicines and unlike other professionals all professional pharmacists employed in private pharmacies do not charge a professional fee to patients.”
The GRTU said that often enough, pharmacies in the community had to suffer the illicit competition of medicines sold on the market by medical practitioners who sold medicine to patients which was not in their possession.
In other countries there were situations where both dispensing pharmacists and dispensing doctors operated on the same market and this was especially true in remote rural areas.
But the reasons for this dual licensing system had nothing to do with the arguments presented by MAM.
GRTU said that notwithstanding this uncalled for diatribe by MAM against the professionals who owned and managed the pharmacies in the community, pharmacies were more than happy to work with the many doctors they hosted, in a meaningful relationship which benefitted the patient.
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100326/local/mams-attack-on-pharmacy-licence-system-unwarranted-grtu
Pharmacists "flabbergasted" at doctors' reaction
The Times of Malta
Friday, 26th March 2010 - 11:19CET
The Chamber of Pharmacists said today it was flabbergasted at what it said was misinformation which was rampantly evident in a statement issued yesterday by the doctors' union (MAM) on the Health Minister's proposal for development of pharmaceutical care practices. The proposals included enabling pharmacists to prescribe some medicines.
In a statement the chamber said it was inconceivable that doctors should lambast a proposal for Malta to follow certain trends which were long in place and evolving in countries such as the UK and the US.
"The MAM should seek synergies to enhance teamwork rather than propose long exhausted, feeble, non sequitur arguments on liberalisation of pharmacy licences and prices of medicines.
"MAM is offensive in attempting to deprecate pharmacists who are independent health care professionals whose prime interest is to ensure the highest quality of patient care," the chamber said.
It reiterated its support to the innovative and forward-looking stance taken by the minister and said it took bona fide professionals to change a mentality and move with the times.
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100326/local/chamber-of-pharmacists-flabbergasted-at-doctors-reaction
Friday, 26th March 2010 - 11:19CET
The Chamber of Pharmacists said today it was flabbergasted at what it said was misinformation which was rampantly evident in a statement issued yesterday by the doctors' union (MAM) on the Health Minister's proposal for development of pharmaceutical care practices. The proposals included enabling pharmacists to prescribe some medicines.
In a statement the chamber said it was inconceivable that doctors should lambast a proposal for Malta to follow certain trends which were long in place and evolving in countries such as the UK and the US.
"The MAM should seek synergies to enhance teamwork rather than propose long exhausted, feeble, non sequitur arguments on liberalisation of pharmacy licences and prices of medicines.
"MAM is offensive in attempting to deprecate pharmacists who are independent health care professionals whose prime interest is to ensure the highest quality of patient care," the chamber said.
It reiterated its support to the innovative and forward-looking stance taken by the minister and said it took bona fide professionals to change a mentality and move with the times.
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100326/local/chamber-of-pharmacists-flabbergasted-at-doctors-reaction
Chamber insists that raising the minimum wage is not the way ahead
The Times of Malta
Friday, 26th March 2010 - 14:47CET
The president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry has declared that she 'cannot disagree more' with the idea of raising the minimum wage in order to address social problems.
The proposal was made by the director of Caritas, Mgr Victor Grech, who said that poverty was rising and a reassessment of the minimum wage needed to be made.
Chamber president Helga Ellul told the chamber's annual general meeting that, as stated by the Prime Minister, social issues were being addressed by the social safety net.
"It is an undeniable fact that only business and enterprise can sustain the country's safety net. But for business to do so, we must all ensure it remains competitive. At this particularly sensitive time, we need to consolidate our competitiveness," she stressed.
What Malta needed to do, she added, was to enhance the skills of its people and assist the country in attracting and sustaining better paid jobs. World competitiveness demanded that industry pay market rates and not artificially-set minimum rates.
Mrs Ellul welcomed the fact that GDP had turned positive after contracting in the first three quarters of 2009, but said these early signs of recovery needed to be viewed with caution.
She noted that last year, compensation of employees increased marginally whilst corporate profits decreased.
"This is important, it shows that, on average, employers paid the highest cost of the international recession. We need to ensure that these trends are reversed as early as possible. We must ensure that the country's productive capabilities are enhanced through either increasing our labour force or the productivity of our labour force or a combination of both," Mrs Ellul said.
"We must ensure that we the business people, are able to have enough profits to invest and arm our business with the most efficient technologies to increase productivity. As we have been stating all along, our government must ensure that it creates no unnecessary burden on the competitiveness position of our companies."
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100326/local/chamber-insists-that-raising-the-minimum-wage-is-not-the-way-ahead
Friday, 26th March 2010 - 14:47CET
The president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry has declared that she 'cannot disagree more' with the idea of raising the minimum wage in order to address social problems.
The proposal was made by the director of Caritas, Mgr Victor Grech, who said that poverty was rising and a reassessment of the minimum wage needed to be made.
Chamber president Helga Ellul told the chamber's annual general meeting that, as stated by the Prime Minister, social issues were being addressed by the social safety net.
"It is an undeniable fact that only business and enterprise can sustain the country's safety net. But for business to do so, we must all ensure it remains competitive. At this particularly sensitive time, we need to consolidate our competitiveness," she stressed.
What Malta needed to do, she added, was to enhance the skills of its people and assist the country in attracting and sustaining better paid jobs. World competitiveness demanded that industry pay market rates and not artificially-set minimum rates.
Mrs Ellul welcomed the fact that GDP had turned positive after contracting in the first three quarters of 2009, but said these early signs of recovery needed to be viewed with caution.
She noted that last year, compensation of employees increased marginally whilst corporate profits decreased.
"This is important, it shows that, on average, employers paid the highest cost of the international recession. We need to ensure that these trends are reversed as early as possible. We must ensure that the country's productive capabilities are enhanced through either increasing our labour force or the productivity of our labour force or a combination of both," Mrs Ellul said.
"We must ensure that we the business people, are able to have enough profits to invest and arm our business with the most efficient technologies to increase productivity. As we have been stating all along, our government must ensure that it creates no unnecessary burden on the competitiveness position of our companies."
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100326/local/chamber-insists-that-raising-the-minimum-wage-is-not-the-way-ahead
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Children stress importance of time
di-ve.com
Current Affairs -- 25 March 2010 -- 16:10CEST
A study on childhood has revealed that young children consider quality time with parents to be a major concern, with a significant number saying that they do not have suitable time to express themselves within their family, particularly with their parents.
These findings emerge from a new publication from the DISCERN Institute for Research on the Signs of the Times, Experiencing Childhood in Malta.
Authored by Joe Inguanez and Rebecca Gatt, it was commissioned by The Children’s Foundation of the Malta Financial and Services Authority.
This study revealed new facts as well as confirming existing ones, bringing to light specific issues that tend to negatively affect the psychological wellbeing of children and their relationships with others, such as parents’ atypical work schedules and the limited availability of resources at home.
The importance of parenthood emerged as a strongly recurring theme in this study. Children were very open in their responses where they asserted that the parents’ love and care are unique and very difficult to substitute, DISCERN said.
The publication is being sold for the price of €10 from DISCERN’s office, which may be reached on 2124 1924 or by email on discern@maltadiocese.org
http://www.di-ve.com/Default.aspx?ID=72&Action=1&NewsId=70853¤tPage=8&newscategory=31
Current Affairs -- 25 March 2010 -- 16:10CEST
A study on childhood has revealed that young children consider quality time with parents to be a major concern, with a significant number saying that they do not have suitable time to express themselves within their family, particularly with their parents.
These findings emerge from a new publication from the DISCERN Institute for Research on the Signs of the Times, Experiencing Childhood in Malta.
Authored by Joe Inguanez and Rebecca Gatt, it was commissioned by The Children’s Foundation of the Malta Financial and Services Authority.
This study revealed new facts as well as confirming existing ones, bringing to light specific issues that tend to negatively affect the psychological wellbeing of children and their relationships with others, such as parents’ atypical work schedules and the limited availability of resources at home.
The importance of parenthood emerged as a strongly recurring theme in this study. Children were very open in their responses where they asserted that the parents’ love and care are unique and very difficult to substitute, DISCERN said.
The publication is being sold for the price of €10 from DISCERN’s office, which may be reached on 2124 1924 or by email on discern@maltadiocese.org
http://www.di-ve.com/Default.aspx?ID=72&Action=1&NewsId=70853¤tPage=8&newscategory=31
Caritas collects €270,391 for Haiti
di-ve.com
Local News -- 25 March 2010 -- 15:00CEST
Caritas Malta has collected €270,391 in aid of Haiti earthquake victims, the second-largest sum ever collected by the Catholic humanitarian organisation.
Its fundraising campaign was initiated on January 14, 2 days after a devastating earthquake killed over 200,000 people and left around 1 million people homeless in and around Haitian capital Port-au-Prince
The collection was made with the approval of Malta Archbishop Paul Cremona and Gozo Bishop Mario Grech, who appealed for people’s generosity.
The donations will be transferred to Caritas Internationalis, the international confederation which Caritas Malta forms part of, and will be used to assist in its Haiti mission.
http://www.di-ve.com/Default.aspx?ID=72&Action=1&NewsId=70845¤tPage=8&newscategory=36
Local News -- 25 March 2010 -- 15:00CEST
Caritas Malta has collected €270,391 in aid of Haiti earthquake victims, the second-largest sum ever collected by the Catholic humanitarian organisation.
Its fundraising campaign was initiated on January 14, 2 days after a devastating earthquake killed over 200,000 people and left around 1 million people homeless in and around Haitian capital Port-au-Prince
The collection was made with the approval of Malta Archbishop Paul Cremona and Gozo Bishop Mario Grech, who appealed for people’s generosity.
The donations will be transferred to Caritas Internationalis, the international confederation which Caritas Malta forms part of, and will be used to assist in its Haiti mission.
http://www.di-ve.com/Default.aspx?ID=72&Action=1&NewsId=70845¤tPage=8&newscategory=36
Doctors oppose prescription of medicines by non-physicians
di-ve.com
Current Affairs -- 25 March 2010 -- 09:20CEST
A proposal to allow pharmacists to prescribe a number of medicines was strongly condemned by the Medical Association of Malta, which said that the Health Ministry was considering “abandoning the ethical principles in the prescription of medicines.”
“Patients have the right to be diagnosed by a registered medical practitioner before a medicine can be prescribed. This is a basic tenet of patient safety,” the MAM said.
The association noted that the current Medicines Act prevents medical practitioners from dispensing medicines to avoid a potential conflict of interest between the prescriber and the dispenser who profits from the sale of medicines. It said that allowing non-physicians to prescribe would thus further raise the price of medicines.
“A more appropriate reform would be the liberalisation of pharmacy licenses to encourage competition which would then drive down the cost of medicine,” it suggested.
It added that the Ministry should also impose on pharmacies to stock drugs used in medical emergencies, stating that “a dangerous lacuna has been created as most have decided to abandon this critical aspect of patient care, and focus on cosmetic products which have nothing to do with the practice of medicine or pharmacy.”
The proposal to give pharmacists the power to prescribe certain medicines was mentioned by Health Minister Joe Cassar during the opening of a symposium. He noted that this power had already been granted in a number of countries.
http://www.di-ve.com/Default.aspx?ID=72&Action=1&NewsId=70814¤tPage=9&newscategory=31
Current Affairs -- 25 March 2010 -- 09:20CEST
A proposal to allow pharmacists to prescribe a number of medicines was strongly condemned by the Medical Association of Malta, which said that the Health Ministry was considering “abandoning the ethical principles in the prescription of medicines.”
“Patients have the right to be diagnosed by a registered medical practitioner before a medicine can be prescribed. This is a basic tenet of patient safety,” the MAM said.
The association noted that the current Medicines Act prevents medical practitioners from dispensing medicines to avoid a potential conflict of interest between the prescriber and the dispenser who profits from the sale of medicines. It said that allowing non-physicians to prescribe would thus further raise the price of medicines.
“A more appropriate reform would be the liberalisation of pharmacy licenses to encourage competition which would then drive down the cost of medicine,” it suggested.
It added that the Ministry should also impose on pharmacies to stock drugs used in medical emergencies, stating that “a dangerous lacuna has been created as most have decided to abandon this critical aspect of patient care, and focus on cosmetic products which have nothing to do with the practice of medicine or pharmacy.”
The proposal to give pharmacists the power to prescribe certain medicines was mentioned by Health Minister Joe Cassar during the opening of a symposium. He noted that this power had already been granted in a number of countries.
http://www.di-ve.com/Default.aspx?ID=72&Action=1&NewsId=70814¤tPage=9&newscategory=31
President starts official visit to Attard
The Malta Independent online
25 March 2010
President George Abela said everyone should appreciate the voluntary sector, where people give up their free time for the benefit of the common good.
He was speaking at a meeting with voluntary associations in Attard, where he and Mrs Abela are making an official visit. Dr Abela was accompanied by acting mayor Stefan Cordina, with mayor Norbert Pace convalescing in hospital.
He pointed out to those present that the public garden at San Anton Palace, official residence of the President, is a jewel for Attard which should be enjoyed by all. People should use the garden’s facilities and see in it an ideal recreational place for children, the elderly and families. Voluntary associations, he added, should work closely with the Malta Community Chest Fund because they have wide contacts with the public and can be instrumental in helping those in need approach the fund.
The official visit ends on Sunday when the President and Mrs Abela will hear morning Mass in the parish church and meet residents on the church parvis.
http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=103595
25 March 2010
President George Abela said everyone should appreciate the voluntary sector, where people give up their free time for the benefit of the common good.
He was speaking at a meeting with voluntary associations in Attard, where he and Mrs Abela are making an official visit. Dr Abela was accompanied by acting mayor Stefan Cordina, with mayor Norbert Pace convalescing in hospital.
He pointed out to those present that the public garden at San Anton Palace, official residence of the President, is a jewel for Attard which should be enjoyed by all. People should use the garden’s facilities and see in it an ideal recreational place for children, the elderly and families. Voluntary associations, he added, should work closely with the Malta Community Chest Fund because they have wide contacts with the public and can be instrumental in helping those in need approach the fund.
The official visit ends on Sunday when the President and Mrs Abela will hear morning Mass in the parish church and meet residents on the church parvis.
http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=103595
Prime Minister lauds independent schools
The Times of Malta
Thursday, 25th March 2010
Independent schools formed a crucial link in Malta's educational system and the government believed parents should have the widest possible choice when it came to their children's education, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said.
The government was committed to supporting parents who sent their children to private schools. Parents were receiving tax credits of up to €1,400 for sending their children to private secondary schools. Up to €1,000 was deducted from the income tax returns of parents who sent children to private kindergartens and primary schools.
Dr Gonzi welcomed the formation of the Independent Schools Association, which he felt would help the government understand the needs of private schools better. "I'm sure this will lead to a healthy dialogue and more coordination," he said.
Dr Gonzi said creativity and innovation were key to his vision for Malta, outlined in Vision 2015. This could only be achieved through a strong and diverse educational system. Private schools could play an important role in offering international educational services, attracting foreign students to Malta.
Dr Gonzi was speaking during a visit to San Anton School, in the limits of Mġarr, where he was treated to a feast of bright colours and tasty Easter figolli. He was accompanied by Mrs Gonzi and by Education Minister Dolores Cristina.
Touring the school, Dr Gonzi got to see first-hand innovative practices that encouraged the holistic formation of students. These included a school radio station manned by students and a backyard habitat where youngsters were taught about Malta's indigenous flora and fauna.
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100325/local/prime-minister-lauds-independent-schools
Thursday, 25th March 2010
Independent schools formed a crucial link in Malta's educational system and the government believed parents should have the widest possible choice when it came to their children's education, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said.
The government was committed to supporting parents who sent their children to private schools. Parents were receiving tax credits of up to €1,400 for sending their children to private secondary schools. Up to €1,000 was deducted from the income tax returns of parents who sent children to private kindergartens and primary schools.
Dr Gonzi welcomed the formation of the Independent Schools Association, which he felt would help the government understand the needs of private schools better. "I'm sure this will lead to a healthy dialogue and more coordination," he said.
Dr Gonzi said creativity and innovation were key to his vision for Malta, outlined in Vision 2015. This could only be achieved through a strong and diverse educational system. Private schools could play an important role in offering international educational services, attracting foreign students to Malta.
Dr Gonzi was speaking during a visit to San Anton School, in the limits of Mġarr, where he was treated to a feast of bright colours and tasty Easter figolli. He was accompanied by Mrs Gonzi and by Education Minister Dolores Cristina.
Touring the school, Dr Gonzi got to see first-hand innovative practices that encouraged the holistic formation of students. These included a school radio station manned by students and a backyard habitat where youngsters were taught about Malta's indigenous flora and fauna.
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100325/local/prime-minister-lauds-independent-schools
Shipyard privatisation. Government accused of ignoring 2008 agreement
The Times of Malta
Thursday, 25th March 2010
The General Workers' Union yesterday accused the government of ignoring a 2008 agreement that obliged the new operator of Malta Shipyards to keep those workers who decided to remain.
The union never approved the agreement with the Italian company Palumbo Spa, which "at no time thought of protecting the interest of the workers", it said in a letter to Finance Minister Tonio Fenech.
The union's general secretary, Tony Zarb expressed disapproval at the government's stance of not taking on the extra dockyard workers.
He referred to an agreement reached with the government in September 2008, laying down that remaining dockyard workers were to be retained by the new operator.
Mr Zarb said the GWU was also disappointed the government had ignored former dockyard apprentices, who were now unemployed.
There are 60 workers at the shipyards who did not take up the voluntary redundancy scheme or the early retirement scheme when these were offered in September 2008 as part of the privatisation process.
On Friday, the government informed the union of its intention to offer workers voluntary redundancy under the same conditions as before or alternative employment with Industrial Projects and Services Ltd, a public company that absorbed dockyard workers prior to EU membership.
Mr Zarb pointed out that the government had not laid down the minimum number of Maltese who would be employed by Palumbo and had not insisted that all the necessary health and safety arrangement would be in place.
He accused the government of ignoring suggestions to set up a workers' cooperative that had been made by, among others, former Social Policy Minister John Dalli and former University rector Fr Peter Serracino Inglott.
Mr Fenech said last week that Palumbo did not want to start operations burdened with existing collective agreements and work practices.
Workers have until Monday to decide which option to go for since the shipyard's liquidation process is expected to start by April 5. Those opting for a job guarantee with IPSL would still be able to apply for a job with the new shipyard operator but will have to resign their job with the government company if selected.
In September 2008, the government had offered lump sum settlements to the shipyard's 1,627-strong workforce worth €58 million.
The ministry said in February the shipyard was being sold for €90.6 million on a 30-year concession. After inflation was taken into account, the agreement translated into an equivalent value of €52.7 million if paid out today. The ministry said €18 million would be paid upfront followed by €72.6 million in rent over 30 years.
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100325/local/government-accused-of-ignoring-2008-agreement
Thursday, 25th March 2010
The General Workers' Union yesterday accused the government of ignoring a 2008 agreement that obliged the new operator of Malta Shipyards to keep those workers who decided to remain.
The union never approved the agreement with the Italian company Palumbo Spa, which "at no time thought of protecting the interest of the workers", it said in a letter to Finance Minister Tonio Fenech.
The union's general secretary, Tony Zarb expressed disapproval at the government's stance of not taking on the extra dockyard workers.
He referred to an agreement reached with the government in September 2008, laying down that remaining dockyard workers were to be retained by the new operator.
Mr Zarb said the GWU was also disappointed the government had ignored former dockyard apprentices, who were now unemployed.
There are 60 workers at the shipyards who did not take up the voluntary redundancy scheme or the early retirement scheme when these were offered in September 2008 as part of the privatisation process.
On Friday, the government informed the union of its intention to offer workers voluntary redundancy under the same conditions as before or alternative employment with Industrial Projects and Services Ltd, a public company that absorbed dockyard workers prior to EU membership.
Mr Zarb pointed out that the government had not laid down the minimum number of Maltese who would be employed by Palumbo and had not insisted that all the necessary health and safety arrangement would be in place.
He accused the government of ignoring suggestions to set up a workers' cooperative that had been made by, among others, former Social Policy Minister John Dalli and former University rector Fr Peter Serracino Inglott.
Mr Fenech said last week that Palumbo did not want to start operations burdened with existing collective agreements and work practices.
Workers have until Monday to decide which option to go for since the shipyard's liquidation process is expected to start by April 5. Those opting for a job guarantee with IPSL would still be able to apply for a job with the new shipyard operator but will have to resign their job with the government company if selected.
In September 2008, the government had offered lump sum settlements to the shipyard's 1,627-strong workforce worth €58 million.
The ministry said in February the shipyard was being sold for €90.6 million on a 30-year concession. After inflation was taken into account, the agreement translated into an equivalent value of €52.7 million if paid out today. The ministry said €18 million would be paid upfront followed by €72.6 million in rent over 30 years.
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100325/local/government-accused-of-ignoring-2008-agreement
Poverty is on the rise - study. More finding it difficult to keep up
The Times of Malta
Thursday, 25th March 2010
The majority of Maltese believe poverty on the island is on the rise, according to a Eurobarometer survey measuring EU citizens' perception on the social impact of the global crisis.
The survey, conducted in Malta last December, shows over 70 per cent of respondents saying poverty increased on the island in the previous 12 months.
Only 11.2 per cent said they thought poverty had gone down and 10.8 per cent said the situation remained unchanged.
Caritas director Mgr Victor Grech last week called for the urgent and more realistic redefinition of the national poverty line, which stands at an annual income of €5,477. He said such redefinition was necessary due to the major changes in society over the past three years as a result of the recession.
Although poverty may be given different definitions, the Eurobarometer tried to establish what kind of destitution people were talking about by relating it to daily issues.
Asked whether in the previous 12 months they had faced difficulties coping with everyday needs, such as paying water and electricity bills, buying food and paying home loans, 63 per cent of Maltese conceded they were finding it more and more difficult to keep up.
Another 30 per cent described their situation as a "constant struggle" and 23 per cent said they had no problems.
The survey also tried to establish whether citizens were more optimistic or pessimistic about their financial situation in the future. Even in this area, pessimism among the Maltese ranked quite high.
Just over 40 per cent said they expected their financial situation within the household to be worse off this year and 38.3 per cent said they were expecting no real change. Only 12.7 per cent expected 2010 to bring a better financial situation.
Asked whether they would be able to afford an unexpected expense of €1,000 this year, almost 30 per cent said there was a high risk they would not be able to make it. On the other hand, 37 per cent said there should be no real problem meeting such an expense.
Asked about job prospects, 76 per cent said they very confident of keeping their job over the next 12 months while 17.7 per cent were pessimistic. However, 9.5 per cent said they were "not confident at all" about keeping their current job.
According to Eurobarometer, the EU citizens' views about poverty were negative across the board and more than half of respondents (between 54 and 76 per cent) believed destitution had increased at local, national and EU levels during the 12 months to December 2009.
Three-quarters of EU citizens said poverty had increased in their country in the 12 months prior to the survey.
As opposed to national and local levels, respondents found it difficult to estimate any change in poverty across the EU. Nevertheless, the proportion of those who thought poverty had strongly or slightly increased across the EU was significantly higher than those who thought there had been a decrease in the year prior to the survey.
Individual country results showed the greatest degree of variation in citizens' perceptions on changes in poverty levels in their area. While less than four in 10 respondents in Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands believed local poverty had strongly or slightly increased in the period under consideration, more than three-quarters of respondents in Hungary, Lithuania, Bulgaria, France and Latvia had a similar perception.
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100325/local/poverty-is-on-the-rise-study
Thursday, 25th March 2010
The majority of Maltese believe poverty on the island is on the rise, according to a Eurobarometer survey measuring EU citizens' perception on the social impact of the global crisis.
The survey, conducted in Malta last December, shows over 70 per cent of respondents saying poverty increased on the island in the previous 12 months.
Only 11.2 per cent said they thought poverty had gone down and 10.8 per cent said the situation remained unchanged.
Caritas director Mgr Victor Grech last week called for the urgent and more realistic redefinition of the national poverty line, which stands at an annual income of €5,477. He said such redefinition was necessary due to the major changes in society over the past three years as a result of the recession.
Although poverty may be given different definitions, the Eurobarometer tried to establish what kind of destitution people were talking about by relating it to daily issues.
Asked whether in the previous 12 months they had faced difficulties coping with everyday needs, such as paying water and electricity bills, buying food and paying home loans, 63 per cent of Maltese conceded they were finding it more and more difficult to keep up.
Another 30 per cent described their situation as a "constant struggle" and 23 per cent said they had no problems.
The survey also tried to establish whether citizens were more optimistic or pessimistic about their financial situation in the future. Even in this area, pessimism among the Maltese ranked quite high.
Just over 40 per cent said they expected their financial situation within the household to be worse off this year and 38.3 per cent said they were expecting no real change. Only 12.7 per cent expected 2010 to bring a better financial situation.
Asked whether they would be able to afford an unexpected expense of €1,000 this year, almost 30 per cent said there was a high risk they would not be able to make it. On the other hand, 37 per cent said there should be no real problem meeting such an expense.
Asked about job prospects, 76 per cent said they very confident of keeping their job over the next 12 months while 17.7 per cent were pessimistic. However, 9.5 per cent said they were "not confident at all" about keeping their current job.
According to Eurobarometer, the EU citizens' views about poverty were negative across the board and more than half of respondents (between 54 and 76 per cent) believed destitution had increased at local, national and EU levels during the 12 months to December 2009.
Three-quarters of EU citizens said poverty had increased in their country in the 12 months prior to the survey.
As opposed to national and local levels, respondents found it difficult to estimate any change in poverty across the EU. Nevertheless, the proportion of those who thought poverty had strongly or slightly increased across the EU was significantly higher than those who thought there had been a decrease in the year prior to the survey.
Individual country results showed the greatest degree of variation in citizens' perceptions on changes in poverty levels in their area. While less than four in 10 respondents in Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands believed local poverty had strongly or slightly increased in the period under consideration, more than three-quarters of respondents in Hungary, Lithuania, Bulgaria, France and Latvia had a similar perception.
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100325/local/poverty-is-on-the-rise-study
Doctors strongly against prescription of medicines by pharmacists
The Times of Malta
Thursday, 25th March 2010 - 07:22CET
The Medical Association has strongly criticised a declaration by the Minister of Health than pharmacists could soon be given the power to prescribe certain medicines.
Speaking during the opening of a symposium, Dr Cassar said prescribing pharmacists existed in other countries. In fact, in May 2006 British nurses and pharmacists who had undergone the appropriate training were able to prescribe medicines.
The doctors' union said however that the Medicines Act prevents medical practitioners from dispensing medicine, thus protecting patients from a potential conflict of interest between the prescriber and the dispenser who profits from the sale of medicines.
"The Medical Association of Malta is surprised and disappointed that the Health Ministry is considering abandoning the ethical principles in the prescription of medicines. Patients have the right to be diagnosed by a registered medical practitioner before a medicine can be prescribed. This is a basic tenet of patient safety," the MAM said.
"The council of the Medical Association of Malta condemns any attempt to allow anybody who is not a registered physician to diagnose and prescribe and then dispense a medicine."
The MAM said a more appropriate reform would be the liberalisation of pharmacy licences to encourage competition which would then drive down the cost of medicines.
"The proposed reform to allow non‐physician prescribing will lead to unsafe practice and a conflict of interest which will further raise the price of medicines."
The association said the ministry should also impose on pharmacies a requirement to stock drugs used in medical emergencies. A dangerous lacuna has been created pharmacies had decided to abandon this critical aspect of patient care, and focus on cosmetic products which had nothing to do with the practice of medicine or pharmacy, the MAM said.
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100325/local/doctors
Thursday, 25th March 2010 - 07:22CET
The Medical Association has strongly criticised a declaration by the Minister of Health than pharmacists could soon be given the power to prescribe certain medicines.
Speaking during the opening of a symposium, Dr Cassar said prescribing pharmacists existed in other countries. In fact, in May 2006 British nurses and pharmacists who had undergone the appropriate training were able to prescribe medicines.
The doctors' union said however that the Medicines Act prevents medical practitioners from dispensing medicine, thus protecting patients from a potential conflict of interest between the prescriber and the dispenser who profits from the sale of medicines.
"The Medical Association of Malta is surprised and disappointed that the Health Ministry is considering abandoning the ethical principles in the prescription of medicines. Patients have the right to be diagnosed by a registered medical practitioner before a medicine can be prescribed. This is a basic tenet of patient safety," the MAM said.
"The council of the Medical Association of Malta condemns any attempt to allow anybody who is not a registered physician to diagnose and prescribe and then dispense a medicine."
The MAM said a more appropriate reform would be the liberalisation of pharmacy licences to encourage competition which would then drive down the cost of medicines.
"The proposed reform to allow non‐physician prescribing will lead to unsafe practice and a conflict of interest which will further raise the price of medicines."
The association said the ministry should also impose on pharmacies a requirement to stock drugs used in medical emergencies. A dangerous lacuna has been created pharmacies had decided to abandon this critical aspect of patient care, and focus on cosmetic products which had nothing to do with the practice of medicine or pharmacy, the MAM said.
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100325/local/doctors
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