I feel I have to write about the primary care being offered at the Qormi polyclinic to me, a 77-year old person, as well as several others who are also senior citizens.

In the past the doctor in charge used to give each patient two prescriptions, each being for a supply of free medicines for three months.

Consequently, I used to visit the polyclinic once every six months or twice yearly.

Lately, after the introduction of the Pharmacy of Your Choice, this policy was dramatically changed. I now get one prescription per visit and each prescription covers a supply of free medicines for only two months. Consequently, I have to go to the polyclinic six times annually.

To make matters worse, the last time I was at the Qormi polyclinic the doctor in charge of issuing prescriptions had no fixed time to do so, and many elderly patients were kept waiting.

The appointments policy for podology (the care of the feet and legs) has also changed and should be reverted to what it was.

The last time I visited the podologist the latter informed me that my next visit should be, as usual, in two months time. I proceeded to the reception area to make this appointment; however, I was informed that the policy for making such appointments had now changed.

I have now to phone the reception 15 days before the date of the desired appointment. Obviously, if the daily maximum number of patients has already been reached on that particular day, my appointment would be made on a later date.

However, if my feet are not seen to promptly every seven or eight weeks by a podologist it will become very difficult and painful for me to walk even a few paces in my own home.

I do hope that these issues are urgently looked into and tackled.