Though hailing the Budget as a positive one, the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses said it left a lot to be desired in the health sector.
The MUMN said the shortage of beds in hospitals barely featured in the speech on Monday.
The Finance Minister boasted about the 40 new beds at Mater Dei Hospital “without having the decency to tell the nation such beds are placed in the corridors”.
The union said the Budget did not include any capital projects for the Gozo General Hospital or Mount Carmel Hospital.
It was disappointed as well as surprised to hear the Prime Minister’s remarks that primary healthcare was to be extended through local councils.
MUMN said this concept was more widespread than simply delegating the bereġ to the local councils.