While the Nationalist Party celebrates Independence Day, I am in great pain, thanks to the excellent health service. Policlinics on weekends are for emergency service only – no house visits.

I waited in pain until Monday when, finally, a female doctor paid me a visit but made the wrong diagnosis. I explained it is the nerve; she insisted it was the muscle. I bought Coltramyl for €7.80, plus pain killers and went to rest.

The pain kept increasing and I had to call our family doctor. After a good visit, I was diagnosed with having sciatica. There is a great difference between muscle and sciatica pain.

If the health service intends to run the service with amateurs then I apply as a consultant.

Please come down from your ivory towers and feel what it is like to run a health service when people are suffering every day. We paid national insurance just like any VIP did; only we are poorer and cannot afford treatment in a private hospital while others, who are richer, will enjoy privileges. What is the idea of placing a doctor in policlinics over the weekend?

If it is an emergency, I go directly to Mater Dei Hospital. I suggest that family doctors in the various villages operate on a roster basis, just as pharmacies do.

At least we would have a choice and will not have to overcrowd Mater Dei.

If we cannot beat them, let us join them but the vote remains ours.