A two-month protest by state podiatrists is expected to come to an end next week.

The protest, ordered by the Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin, began in June when podiatrists complained a limit on the number of medical instruments was compromising the safety of patients and clinicians.

The shortage was the result of a cost-cutting exercise across State health services.

The union instructed its members not to carry out podiatry services, insisting the stock of instruments had fallen to around a quarter of the national demand. It had also raised concerns over new sterilisation directives issued by the health department.

The UĦM is confident the authorities will accept proposals to improve services next week. A spokesman told Times of Malta the union had called for clinicians to be given disposable and reusable instruments.

“This is a basic measure, which will ensure that our members do not breach their code of ethics when it comes to providing safe treatment,” the spokesman said.

Meanwhile, patients have had to wait for weeks for the treatment they need.

“I was meant to have an appointment two months ago but it’s been cancelled twice. Yesterday, I was told that I’m going to have to wait until October. I don’t think they understand that, at this point, I can barely walk,” said a pensioner who asked to stay anonymous.