A group of 100 nurses were deployed on Monday, bringing this year's total number of new nurses employed by the government across the health sector to 140.

By the end of this year, the authorities expect the number of new nurses to increase to 200.

Around 20 of these will be former nurses, who had expressed interest in re-joining the health sector's workforce. Another 40 nurses will be brought from abroad following a call through Jobplus in collaboration with EURES. Vacancies were also advertised in Spain.

Health Minister Chris Fearne said that until recently, the authorities thought that 100 new nurses a year would be enough, however, the provision of new services required additional nurses.

In July, the MUMN suspended nationwide directives to members following a meeting with the health authorities regarding various issues, including early retirement, allowances and an adequate salary for some grades.

Ahead of the action, Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses general secretary Colin Galea had noted that the health sector in Malta was short of 550 nurses.

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