Doctors at health centres across the island yesterday obeyed directives issued by their union and refused to input patients’ data on the computer system, saying they were “not receptionists”.

The Malta Medical Association issued the directives in retaliation to a change in policy whereby patients’ details are to be filled in by doctors.

“We are not receptionists and we have no time to do this. It takes time to fill in these details on the computer system and, apart from the fact that there was absolutely no consultation, this new policy will lengthen waiting times at health centres,” MAM general secretary Martin Balzan told the Times of Malta yesterday.

Admittedly this isa minor issue...We want to show management the solution is training

The association issued directives for all health centre doctors, including GP trainees, foundation doctors and part-timers, directing them not to carry out “any work normally done by receptionists, including discharges” on the health centre software.

Dr Balzan explained that an average visit takes 10 minutes and if doctors were now expected to input data, something which takes three of four minutes, waiting time at health centres was going to increase by 30 or 40 per cent.

“What we are suggesting is that receptionists be trained properly if management is not happy with the data on the computer systems. Getting doctors to do it will only increase waiting times and make things worse for patients. Doctors are already busy, let alone with more of this work normally done by receptionists,” he said.

While acknowledging the need for “good data”, Dr Balzan said proper training could help achieve this. “Management think we’re making a lot of fuss and yes, admittedly this is a minor issue, but we need to drive the point home that these things take time. We want to show management that the solution is training.”

Questions sent to the health ministry yesterday remained unanswered at the time of writing.