Podiatrists have given the government until Monday to implement long-awaited measures or face more industrial action, the Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin and the Podiatrists’ Association said.
In a joint statement, they said the matter had been dragging on for over a year and, on Monday, scaled-down directives had been issued.
The government had committed itself to increase support staff to implement specific reforms. But, to date, no indication of employment had been given.
Due to this lack of support, podiatrists had less time with patients who required regular and focused care. These were often vulnerable elderly people, diabetic patients and those with significant bio-mechanical problems.
These long-standing problems have been hindering the implementation of much-needed reforms, which included the provision of a patient-oriented service wherein each patient was given enough time for a holistic assessment, diagnosis and treatment.
The union, together with all stakeholders, proposed and discussed solutions but the government had shown no clear commitment of implementation.
“Unless clear commitments are given from the government’s side, directives shall remain in force. Furthermore, should the urgent matter continue to fall on deaf ears, directives are to increase by July 13,” the union and association said.