The Government has said in a statement this evening that, "the investment of € 200 million in the health sector will ensure that the health service in our country will remain free for everyone, including the services that Prof. Albert Fenech will be providing, who will now be employed by a private consortium to provide a free service to Gozitan and Maltese families."

"This project, will lead to new rehabilitation hospital, a Centre for dermatology and a Centre for medical tourism in St. Luke's Hospital," the Government said. The Karin Grech Hospital will be a specialist geriatric hospital.

It added that a medical school will be developed in Gozo through Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, in conjunction with a new Gozo General Hospital equipped with advanced technology, "therefore meaning that Gozitans will have world class facilities."

The Government said that this investment in health aims among others to attract foreign patients, and therefore the country will also benefit from medical tourism. "This is confirmation of the Government's strategy to create new economic pillars which should lead to more long-term economic growth."

"Will the Leader of the Opposition continue to speak against the investment in hospitals for a better free health service?" the Government asked.

The Government was referring to the announcement today that Cardiologist Professor Albert Fenech, a Nationalist MP, will be heading a cardiology department within the privately-run St Luke's Hospital.

The PN had said in a statement that the private company which is taking over St Luke's had realised the value of Prof. Fenech's capabilities "after the Government discarded him by not renewing his contract."

The PN said that patients would now have to pay for services provided by Prof. Fenech, which had previously been available free of charge.

Permalink: Health service in Gozo & Malta will remain free for everyone – Government