Steward Health Care Malta has issued a response to the decision made by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in favour of the Government.

In a statement, it said that on the 29th of March, Steward Health Care Malta (SHCM) filed for emergency arbitration with the ICC as a result of “serious concerns surrounding the escalation of the termination dispute and its impact on the necessary handover process.”

Steward said that the transition is a “complex process involving legacy contracts, IT infrastructure, and HR transfers among many other matters.”

It explained that “should an orderly transition not be conducted, the quality of care could be impacted. SHCM has as always acted in the interest of its patients and the community and has relied on its substantial experience in this matter.”

The company claimed that the Government’s “lack of experience in this transfer process and its hesitancy to engage with SHCM,” despite public statements of its intent to secure an “immediate handover,” is “concerning” and led to an unnecessary delay in the transition. To be clear, economics were not a topic of discussion.”

SHCM stated that the terms of this arbitration were “considered confidential and the Government’s statement issued on the 14th of April continues to highlight its deliberate and calculated manipulation of the narrative and a disregard for upholding international standards.”

SHCM noted that the decision of the ICC in “no way prejudges the merits of the claim.” It also noted that, “as the transition process moves forward, the Government will bear the medical legal responsibility in any decisions made unilaterally.”

SHCM concluded by saying that it “remains committed to a fair and orderly transition and as much as it is permitted will ensure that the wellbeing of our patients and our employees remain our priority.”

Permalink: Steward Health Care Malta responds to ICC decision