Petalotis stresses government’s determination to open closed professions

Government spokesman George Petalotis on Monday stressed that the government was determined to go ahead with measures for opening closed professions, noting that reactions by those affected were only to be expected.

The government expected all the groups involved to rise to the occasion during negotiations, he added, noting that restrictions on professions, where they existed, had to ensure a good-quality and affordable service to consumers.

Concerning the falling-out between the health minister and pharmacists, who announced strikes during the coming week, the spokesman said the minister had made a strenuous effort to achieve consensus but that pharmacists had insisted on their positions.