Money wasted on Vitals deal could have been spent on better tackling coronavirus - Delia

All the money spent on the deal to transfer three hospitals to the private sector could have been spent on new hospitals and better equipment which would have prepared the island for outbreaks such as the coronavirus, said Nationalist Party leader Adrian Delia.

“The Maltese are paying thousands of euros for work which is not happening,” Delia said in reference to the transfer of Karin Grech, St Luke’s and Gozo hospitals to Vitals Healthcare, which then went on to pass on the administration of the hospitals to Steward Health Care.

Delia said that the Opposition is waiting for Prime Minister Abela to stop this deal with Steward. “I ask Abela to explain and provide a breakdown of the expenses of Steward. Does the government know what these other expenses include?” asked Delia. He insisted that former Tourism Minister Konrad Mizzi and former Prime Minister Joseph Abela should be investigated in relation to the deal.

Speaking during a press conference, the Opposition leader said that a total of €86 million was pumped into Vitals Global Healthcare by the government during the first two years of the deal. “St Luke’s Hospital is in a sorry state, the hospital in Gozo, which is meant to have the latest equipment, has also been left in a desperate state,” Delia said.

Over the past few days, the Opposition has appealed for the public to remain calm and follow the health authorities’ guidelines regarding the COVID-19 outbreak after the first three cases were detected on Saturday. Delia said that the public, along with the government, should follow the advice of the health authorities.

“Every decision needs to be taken in the interest of the general public, and the government needs to understand that it should not try to take advantage of the situation, but to ensure that the country is prepared for an outbreak,” said Delia.

“Superintendent of Public Health Charmaine Gauci should have the last say on what is in the best interest of the public when it comes to safety.”