In a statement on Monday MAM further added that doctors in Malta are greatly overloaded and it is becoming increasingly difficult for them to cope with the increasing demand for health services.

The Association spoke with reference to comments made by Minister of Health Dr. Louis Deguara on PBS on Thursday. It said that the comment made by the Minister that the 'nice environment' of the new hospital, Mater Dei in Tal-Qroqq, will attract new doctors "is most unconvincing and detached from reality."

MAM said that it has made many proposals based on the UK and is ready to continue to contribute constructively to improve the Maltese health care system. "However if the health authorities continue to bury their head in the sand, and take a 'business as usual' attitude, MAM will have no option but to take the necessary actions in the interest of its members and the public," the Association claimed statement.

The MAM also expressed said that besides investing in a new hospital, the Government must invest in human resources to better the health of the nation.

MAM also referred to delays "for any medical service, particularly at Accident and Emergency Department and at the health centres", adding that the public must judge whether this is an adequate service as claimed by the Minister.

MAM noted that Dr. Deguara agreed with the association that there is a significant brain drain to the United Kingdom and other countries and that a considerable number of medical specialists have had to be employed from Eastern Europe. "He also acknowledged the urgent need to improve career progression for Maltese doctors," continued the MAM.

However, the Association appealed to the authorities for more sensitivity to the needs of the patients, adding that "There are long queues for any medical service particularly at Accident and Emergency Department and at the health centres, where patients may have to wait for hours. Waiting lists for outpatients appointments, and for any surgical procedure have become unacceptably long; for example 5 years for a hip replacement. The public must judge whether this is an adequate service as claimed by the Minister. These long waiting times and waiting lists are an inevitable consequence of the shortage of doctors and inadequate planning over the years."

MAM also expressed its concern over doctors working 60 to 70 hours per week, “while the authorities insist with health centre doctors to see one patient every four minutes.” MAM also said that as time goes by the demand for services is increasing yet the number of experienced and specialized doctors is decreasing.