COVID-19 Recognition Cannot Exclude Frontline Healthcare Workers

28 May 2026

The Medical Association of Malta (MAM) is disappointed with the announcement that Government will be distributing payments of €7,000 to selected groups of workers as “recognition” for the COVID-19 pandemic.

MAM wishes to make it clear that this is not a question of financial compensation, but one of principle, justice, and respect towards the collective memory of what truly took place during the pandemic.

Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals stood on the frontline of an unprecedented national emergency. They worked under difficult and dangerous conditions, exposed themselves and their families to serious risks, and carried the clinical and human responsibility of an entire country during a period marked by fear and uncertainty.

Many still carry the emotional and professional consequences of that period to this day.

It is therefore profoundly unjust for Government to selectively decide who should receive this so-called “recognition,” without clear and transparent criteria, while excluding those who were among the most directly involved in the fight against the pandemic.

MAM also believes that the timing of these announcements inevitably raises serious concern regarding the use of public funds for political purposes. National recognition should unite the country and be based on justice and respect towards all — not create division or the perception of preferential treatment towards particular groups.

The Maltese and Gozitan people remember who was there when the country needed them most.

And those were our doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals.