Nurses to provide services at health centres, doctors’ directives stard today
Nurses will continue providing services at health centres despite doctors’ union directives starting today, the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses (MUMN) said. While the Medical Association of Malta (MAM) announced that doctors will skip shifts on Tuesdays and Fridays, except at Mosta, Floriana, Paola, and Gozo polyclinics, MUMN president Paul Pace confirmed nurses will maintain normal services, including wound care, blood drawing, and nebuliser treatments. The directives stem from a dispute between MAM and the government over outsourcing emergency cases to private hospitals to reduce Mater Dei Hospital’s workload. (Times of Malta)
Temping agency association disagrees with proposed labour migration policy
The Association for Temping and Outsourcing Agencies (AFTA) has criticised the government’s proposed labour migration policy, urging action against employer exploitation rather than restrictive measures that could harm business needs. The policy, launched earlier this month and open for feedback until 9 February, aims to reduce foreign worker turnover and curb exploitation. It is set to be implemented gradually over the next year. In a 50-page document, AFTA strongly opposed proposed caps on third-country nationals (TCNs) in companies, arguing they would stifle growth, reduce competitiveness, and unfairly impact industries reliant on TCNs. The association also criticised plans to allow firms to bypass temping agencies in TCN applications, saying this ignores businesses’ need for flexibility and seasonal workers. (Maltatoday)
Four men arrested in Marsa drag raid
Four men were arrested during a police drug raid in Marsa on Thursday, authorities reported. The arrests took place at 10:30am in a garage on Triq is-Serkin. The suspects include two men, aged 19 and 29, from Marsa, a 26-year-old from Qrendi, and a 39-year-old from Cospicua. Police seized 100 sachets of synthetic drugs, 50 sachets of cocaine, 50 sachets of heroin, and €3,000 in cash during the operation. Magistrate Philip Galea Farrugia is leading the inquiry. (The Malta Independent)
