Pharmacists step up action

Government pharmacists have been instructed to start work an hour late from next week, as the Union Ħaddiema Maqgħudin steps up its action.

The union last month issued directives after the government failed to submit counterproposals to its demands to tackle staff shortages some 10 months ago.

Last month, pharmacists were instructed not to accept e-mails that did not concern supplies and to ignore all pneumatic tube communication. A week earlier they were ordered to work to rule, not attend management or administrative meetings, and not to perform additional duties.

On the other hand, the pharmacists will continue to provide medicine and assist the public in critical situations. However, calls for information will not be taken.

UĦM also instructed technicians working at government pharmacies to follow the same directives, after management started to cancel their leave that had been approved earlier.