The Chamber of Pharmacists (Kamra Tal-Ispizjara Ta’ Malta) is directing “all community pharmacists to take part in a symbolic protest” which they’re calling #spizjaraluttu from today starting 8am. The Chamber released a statement this morning on their position during the ongoing pandemic and the reasons for this protest.

“Since the resurgence of covid-19 cases after the removal of restrictions by the Prime Minister and the Minister for Tourism supported by the MTA and the MHRA, in June, the opening of national borders in July and the holding of mass events, the Kamra has publically supported the stance of the MAM and the MAPHM and all science based Public health measures issued by the MFH and SPH, and has repeatedly condemned the procrastination, puerile and disrespectful attitude and comments, political and subjective economical expediency taking precedence to science-based health expertise and advice, to the detriment of the health of the nation.”

Directives have been issued to prioritise the safety of both the public and pharmacists

“It is of course a moot point that we are still in the middle of a pandemic, and pharmacists work is essential, on the frontline, more than ever. The Kamra considers that it is now expedient - in particular and regrettably, with the registration of the first covid-19 victim since the removal of restrictions, on Friday, 21 August - to take a strong symbolic protest gesture - #spizjaraluttu - 

1. A black cloth will be affixed at the entrance of the pharmacy together with an explanatory statement to the public.

2. Pharmacists shall wear, at all times, especially during the opening hours of the pharmacy, a black ribbon on their lab coat lapel as a sign of mourning at the demise of a covid-19 victim, and common sense, prudence and respect of front liners and the most vulnerable.

“#spizjaraluttu is a first step of a structured protest campaign that will be sustained and escalated as needs be, depending on the evolving situation which is being closely monitored by the Kamra,” it said.

The symbolic protest will remain in place “until the Kamra is satisfied that the measures taken to safeguard public health and the safety of pharmacists and other front liners, and the nation, not least, the vulnerable, are according to the advice based on the science practiced by Malta’s public health experts.”

The Chamber also noted that the health of the nation must not “play second fiddle to the economy,” while acknowledging the “economic needs of the country.”

“We are sure that all pharmacists will give their full support to the Kamra’s campaign for the safety of all front liners, all the elderly and vulnerable and all the rest of the population.”