MUMN: Why Malta’s Nurses Feel Left Behind in Health Progression

Imagine you’re a nurse at Mater Dei Hospital, Malta’s largest medical facility. You’ve seen patients through the COVID-19 pandemic, worked tirelessly, and now you hear that your allied health colleagues are progressing in their careers, but you’re not. That’s the reality for many nurses in Malta today, sparking frustration and concern.

The Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses (MUMN) has expressed its discontent over the recent career progression opportunities granted to allied health professionals, while nurses remain stagnant. The Ministry of Health has introduced new career progression structures for professions like physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and radiographers, allowing them to advance to senior grades without the need for a master’s degree.

While these developments are welcomed by the respective professions, nurses feel sidelined. “Nurses have been asking for the same opportunities for years,” says a nurse who wished to remain anonymous. “We’ve seen our colleagues in allied health move forward, but we’re still waiting.”

MUMN President Paul Pace has publicly stated that nurses deserve the same opportunities. “Nurses have been at the forefront of the COVID-19 response, working tirelessly to keep Malta safe,” he says. “They deserve the same recognition and career progression opportunities as their allied health counterparts.”

MUMN has called for a meeting with the Ministry of Health to discuss the issue, seeking equal opportunities for nurses. They argue that nurses, who make up the largest group of healthcare professionals, should not be left behind.

Minister for Health Chris Fearne has acknowledged the nurses’ concerns, stating that the government is committed to improving nurses’ careers. However, he has not specified any concrete plans yet.

Nurses in Malta are not alone in their struggle. Similar issues have been raised in other countries, with nurses often feeling undervalued and under-recognized. But Malta’s nurses are determined to fight for their rights. As one nurse puts it, “We’ve proven our worth during the pandemic. Now, it’s time for our government to prove that they value us.”

As the debate continues, one thing is clear: Malta’s nurses are not backing down. They will keep pushing for equality, recognition, and career progression. After all, as another nurse says, “We’re not just nurses; we’re the backbone of Malta’s healthcare system.”