Mario Cutajar, the Principal Permanent Secretary, concluded in an interview (The Sunday Times of Malta, September 29) that he envisaged his work as being the identification of problems and then focusing on services that benefit the vulnerable.

One such problem is the poor state of the pharmacy-of-your-choice scheme. A few days ago I went for my quota at my pharmacy and was informed that three of my five requested medicines were out of stock. Surely Mr Cutajar agrees that this is an extremely high ratio? Mr Cutajar must obviously be aware that this problem hardly existed under the previous administration, but under this Labour Government the problem is out of control. Sometimes the police are called to quell the daily disturbances caused by complaining and frustrated patients.

When is the Malta Chamber of Pharmacists going to deplore this lack of diligence on the Government’s part? Or is it happy with this state of affairs?

People are not deceived by the empty promises made by ministers. Actions, not empty words, are needed. Dear Prime Minister please urgently help the sick, the aged and the disabled.