The Association for Paramedics and Health Professionals (APHP) has complained of a lack of consultation with various associations within the health sector for the primary healthcare reform.

"Whilst we are in favour of a Primary Health reform we fail to understand how the paramedical sector has not even been mentioned in the consultation document. It seems that the government's main concerns are only doctors and nurses," the association said.

There are 700 paramedical workers in 20 different professions within the public health sector including environmental health officers, medical lab scientists, radiographers, physiotherapists, podiatrists, dental hygienists, dental technologists, radiation therapists, psychotherapists, occupational therapists, ECH technicians, pharmacy technicians, speech language pathologists, dieticians, nutritionists, acupuncturists, scientific officers, optometrists and orthoptists.

Although some of these professionals were small in number, others constituted a major link within the health sector, the association said.

It added that it was unclear if private doctors would be able to refer patients directly to these workers and if professionals like speech language pathologists, podiatrists and others could continue to work without referral from a doctor.

"What is the patient to do when the first person to be seen is his Private Doctor? Pay his GP for a referral ticket to the government paramedic of his choice?

The association also complained of outdated dental equipment in some health centres.