The Malta Association of Public Health Medicine raised concerns yesterday about the newly appointed head of disease prevention, agreeing the post should be filled by a medical doctor.
Doubts have been raised over whether dentist Paula Vassallo, the person selected to head the health promotion and disease prevention unit, has the necessary qualifications for the post.
News of her appointment earlier this week prompted the Medical Association of Malta to file a judicial protest in a bid to reverse the decision, arguing the candidate did not have the necessary skills or qualifications. To perform the tasks expected of her without a medical warrant was in breach of the Health Care Professions Act, it said.
Health Minister Chris Fearne defended Dr Vassallo’s appointment, insisting she was “amply qualified” for the position.
However, in a statement, the Malta Association of Public Health Medicine said it firmly believed the position required in-depth and specialised knowledge of communicable disease prevention, surveillance and control, including advice, assessment and management of individuals and groups of patients. The position also required planning for prevention and disease...
