The Medical Association of Malta (MAM) has warned the government that it will take industrial action unless a number of pending issues are resolved by October 14.

The decision was taken at an extraordinary general meeting yesterday evening.

The doctors' union noted that there are 22 pending issues which it would like to be resolved as soon as possible.

A 'positive' meeting was held with Health Ministry officials on September 15 when 'significant' progress was registered.

However, the MAM said, as these issues are serious and have been pending a long time, it is urging the government to solve them as soon as possible. Should they remain unresolved by October 14, the association said it will take 'whatever action is necessary' to achieve its aims.

The motion was approved unanimously.

The MAM explained that it is insisting with the health authorities to issue all long-overdue promotions  in all grades, from Gp to consultant, resident specialist and higher specialist trainees.

It is also asking for all pending results of selection boards to be issued, and for the relative appointments to be made without further delay.

"Furthermore there are a considerable number of issues regarding the payment of allowances where the sectoral collective agreement is not being respected," the MAM said.

It said that regulations which discriminate between Maltese and EU nationals or Maltese nationals working abroad need to be corrected without further delay, and the recruitment process needs to be fully compliant with EU legislation.