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The Medical Association (MAM) this morning strongly condemned an assault which it said had been made on a health centre doctor at the Qormi Health Centre. It said it was satisfied, however, that the health and police authorities have taken quick and appropriate action over the case.

MAM president Martin Balzan told timesofmalta.com that the doctor was head butted and bruised and had to be treated. Fortunately, he did not suffer serious injuries.

Dr Balzan preferred not to give further details so as not to hinder police investigations.

The doctors' union said that as the load of patients at health centres continued to increase and the number of doctors continued to decrease, the conditions of work of these doctors was becoming unsustainable, reducing the contact time with patients to a minimum.

"The increased waiting times for patients are inevitably resulting in increasing episodes of verbal and physical abuse of staff."

It appealed to the health authorities to give priority to the areas where demand was highest and to concentrate its resources on improving working conditions and services.

"MAM is promising its members that should such measures not be implemented it will take whatever action necessary to protect the working conditions of its members," the association said.