The Primary Health Care Department said today it does not tolerate any form of verbal or physical abuse towards its staff and an investigation has been launched after media reports of abuse against health centre staff.

The department was reacting to a statement by the MAM doctors' union, which yesterday threatened industrial action unless the department defended its staff. It said doctors were hard pressed to keep up with house calls after a surge in demand for their services at health centres. 

The department agreed with the MAM that doctors are obliged to prioritise patient requests according to the seriousness of the condition especially in this particular season of the year when a spike in respiratory diseases is registered.

"The Primary Health Care Department appreciates the effort and dedication that its employees have towards patients who make use of its services."

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