Doctors to testify over baby's death

Doctors summoned to testify in the magisterial inquiry over the death of an 18-month-old baby will be testifying about "all the facts to their knowledge", the Medical Association of Malta said.

As a result, the departmental inquiry over the same incident was being suspended, the association said.

The union had advised its members not to take part in the departmental inquiry because a magisterial inquiry was underway.

MAM general secretary Martin Balzan expressed the union's disappointment at what he called "the misleading statements" in Parliament by Health Minister Louis Deguara when he alleged that the association was blocking the course of justice.

Answering a parliamentary question last week, Dr Deguara said the inquiry board had suspended its investigations because the doctors called to testify decided not to do so, following a directive by the MAM. Contacted by The Times, a spokesman for the Health Ministry said this was the first time an internal inquiry was suspended because of directives by the MAM.

The spokesman said doctors usually participated both in an internal inquiry as well as in a magisterial one.

"This is the first time MAM directed doctors not to participate in an internal inquiry while participating in a magisterial one on the same case," he said.

The case revolves around the death of a toddler who died in hospital 11 days after being vaccinated for measles, mumps and rubella. Last month, the baby's parents filed a report to the court registrar demanding an inquiry into the baby's death.

They explained that after their daughter was given the vaccine on July 14, her health took a turn for the worse as she ran a fever, had a swollen throat and a rash on her stomach and leg. The court registrar upheld the parents' request and an inquiry is to be conducted by Magistrate Antonio Mizzi.