Foreign Affairs Minister George Vella is still seeing patients at his clinic in Żejtun, Times of Malta can confirm, despite the ministerial code of ethics which bans Cabinet members from carrying out private work.

It is not yet known whether Dr Vella also enjoys a waiver from the code of ethics

Dr Vella – a popular general practitioner in his hometown and a seasoned politician – has been a doctor for the past 50 years and sources close to his clinic said he was finding it difficult to sever professional ties with his long-standing patients.

The sources said that, although Dr Vella was not charging any fees, he still continued to see his patients during early morning sessions and has also issued certificates and prescriptions to patients.

Dr Vella – considered to be one of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat’s political mentors – did not wish to comment when asked to confirm whether he felt he was breaching the ministerial code of ethics.

Asked to confirm whether he was still seeing patients despite being a minister, Dr Vella said he had no time for such questions.

The ministry also said it had no comment to make when asked in writing to confirm that Dr Vella was seeing patients at his clinic.

Dr Vella is the second Cabinet member to continue seeing his patients despite being called to serve in Joseph Muscat’s team.

It is not yet known whether Dr Vella also enjoys a waiverfrom the code of ethics similar to the one granted by the Prime Minister to Parliamentary Secretary Franco Mercieca.

Dr Muscat said Mr Mercieca’s was the only waiver granted and described it as “common sense” due to the ophthalmologist’s specialisation.

Dr Muscat’s waiver was harshly criticised by the Opposition and political commentators.

Dr Muscat defended his actions by saying the ministerial code of ethics needs to be updated. The revision, currently ongoing, was one of the Labour Administration’s first decisions.

However, it is not yet clear whether Cabinet members will now be allowed some leeway to continue with their private profession.

The 1994 code, still in force, clearly states that, as soon as a minister is appointed, “it is expected from him not to continue with his private work”. The code was drawn up to ensure Cabinet members devote their whole time to their official duties.

It states: “The prohibition covers also consultancies, attendance at offices/clinics to give professional advice, etc, even if the work is not remunerated.”