The Minister for Health and Active Aging Jo Etienne Abela and the Parliamentary Secretary for Active Aging Malcolm Paul Agius Galea presided over the signing of the new collective agreement between the Government and UħM – Voice of the Workers, for pharmacists working with the Public Service which will have a significant positive impact for over 120 employees in this category.
Thanks to this agreement, these employees will benefit from a substantial improvement in their salary packages through several enhanced allowances that reflect the specialized nature of their work. In addition to the financial improvements, the agreement also provides expanded opportunities for professional development, allowing employees within the pharmacy ranks to further improve their skills through a range of training opportunities.
Minister Jo Etienne Abela explained that this agreement not only fosters the professional development and career growth of these employees, but also significantly strengthens the general capabilities and efficiency of the pharmacy sector. He said how once again they are looking to invest in the skills and knowledge of the pharmacy workforce.
“The agreement aims to provide a higher quality of care and service to our patients, ensuring that they benefit from the expertise and dedication of a well-trained and highly skilled pharmacy team. This sectoral agreement is an important one that recognizes the commitment and work of these professionals who do daily for the good of Maltese and Gozitan patients”, concluded Minister Abela.
Parliamentary Secretary Malcolm Paul Agius Galea said that this sectoral agreement will not only improve the working conditions of pharmacists in the Public Service, but also strengthen the quality of care given to patients , including older ones. Thanks to this agreement, workers will be enjoying new opportunities for professional development, which will help to increase efficiency and competence in the services offered.
“This important step will help not only the workers involved but also all those who depend on their services, especially the elderly who need medicines or regular medical assistance,” added Agius Galea.
Signed on behalf of the Government the Permanent Secretary for Health Joseph Chetcuti, the Permanent Secretary for Active Aging Christine Schembri, the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister Dr. Joyce Cassar, the Director General Dr. Clarence Pace , the General Director – Industrial Relations Unit Thomas Wood, while on behalf of the workers Josef Vella and Annalize Casha signed on behalf of UħM.
Photo (MHA)
