Government’s investment in the introduction of Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) machines, in Health Centres, is aimed at enhancing the delivery of primary care in the community.  Through the introduction of these tests, patients will benefit from the rapid generation of test results whilst doctors will be able to make faster and more informed clinical decisions during the medical consultation stage. POCT is intended to:

• rapidly identify serious conditions, such as heart failure and blood clots;

• expedite the identification of a heart attack and the emergency transfer of the patient to hospital;

• assess infection and inflammation, thereby supporting safer and more appropriate antibiotic prescription;

• check kidney function and electrolytes, particularly in dehydrated patients with complications arising from other medical conditions;

• detect anaemia or bleeding risks and potentially monitor blood clotting with INR.

• avoid unnecessary Emergency Department referrals when results support safe management in the community.

• ensure rapid referral to hospital when test results indicate that urgent assessment is required.

Overall, POC testing means quicker answers, safer decisions, earlier treatment and care closer to home.

Meanwhile, Government rejects claims made by the Medical Association of Malta (MAM) that Point-of-Care testing was introduced without prior consultation with the union. Engagement with doctors began as far back as 2024 and doctors were given the opportunity to actively contribute to the respective procurement process. Furthermore, General Practitioners were involved in the development of the applicable clinical practice guidelines, aside from the fact that one of the Primary Healthcare’s senior doctors formed part of the Point-of-Care Testing Committee (Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Ministry for Health) which was responsible for the full process. 

Disagreement with the outcome or implementation of a government initiative cannot be interpreted as the absence of consultation whatsoever.  In fact, discussions with MAM were regular and continuous.  It was only in late August 2026 that MAM communicated its substantive disagreement with Government’s introduction of POCT. Subsequently, and notwithstanding PHC management’s unequivocal position that the use of POCT would be voluntary and at doctors’ clinical discretion, MAM nevertheless opted to register a pre-advice of industrial action, followed by directives, effective from 15 September 2026.  Government responded by inviting MAM - both formally and informally and on various occasions - to the discussion table, as per applicable provisions in the Public Service Collective Agreement.

Upon the coming into force of MAM’s directives for doctors “not to use, calibrate, provide or receive training in relation to any Point-of-Care Test machines, until further notice”, the union proceeded to visit PHC premises without seeking prior authorisation, as per established procedure. At no point does Government preclude MAM, or any other union official, from meeting union members at the workplace, so long as prior authorisation to meet members, during employee breaktime and outside clinical areas, is sought. These conditions are essential to ensure the protection of patient privacy, safety and continuity of care, while upholding the union’s legitimate representative role.

Whilst Government recognises employees’ right to follow lawful union directives, it is equally responsible for protecting its employees from undue pressure or interference from union representatives - particularly insofar as employees who are not union members or who opt not to follow directives are concerned. 

The Administration remains available to engage with MAM in constructive dialogue, within the broader context of delivering safe, effective and modern healthcare, the upholding of employees’ rights and the safeguarding of uninterrupted quality patient care.