AUM Rector Resigns After Citing Governance Concerns The rector of the American University of Malta has resigned less than six months into the role, pointing to governance issues as the reason for her departure. Victoria Fontan, who joined AUM in July, announced her resignation on LinkedIn, saying her work bringing Afghan students to Malta was complete. However, her resignation letter, seen by Times of Malta, cites internal organisational changes that she felt restricted her ability to perform her duties. Fontan, a visiting fellow at Stanford University, declined to comment further, referring questions back to her public post. Her exit marks another setback for the university, which has faced criticism since its inception. (Maltatoday)
Union and Ministry Clash Over Cath Lab Dispute A dispute has erupted between the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses and the Health Ministry after the government sought a court injunction to block industrial action at Mater Dei Hospital. MUMN insists the dispute over leave arrangements had already been resolved, accusing officials of acting in bad faith and hiding the agreement. The ministry strongly rejected the claims, saying the union refused conciliatory talks and that the injunction was necessary to safeguard urgent cardiac procedures. It warned that staff had faced intimidation from the union, while MUMN described the legal action as unprecedented and hostile. Both sides maintain they acted responsibly as tensions continue to escalate. (The Malta Independent)
Bill Proposes End to Mandatory Cancer Disclosure After 10 Years Parliament has begun debating a private member’s bill proposing that people who have been cancer-free for 10 years should no longer be required to disclose their medical history in job applications, insurance contracts or financial services. The bill, put forward by Labour MP Amanda Spiteri Grech, would also prohibit employers and providers from requesting or using such information. For those under 21, the disclosure period would be reduced to five years after treatment. Spiteri Grech said the reform restores dignity and removes unnecessary bureaucratic burdens for individuals who have overcome serious illness. The proposal aims to ensure that former cancer patients are not marked for life by their medical past. (TVM News)
