I refer to Ms Valerie Borg’s letter (TMID, 6 May) and I feel duty bound to reply in respect to her allegations about the exorbitant fees, which she claims, are being charged by the private health care providers.

She ardently chose to throw mud at the institution that runs the state hospital and just to make sure that she hits two birds with one stone, she recounted an emotional story about an elderly lady who in the midst of her agony decided to inquire about the expenses that would be incurred to have a hip replacement operation carried out in one of the private hospitals in Malta, only to find out that someone at the other end of the line was ready to rob her of Lm6,000, which is probably much more than this poor lady could save in a lifetime.

I invite Ms Borg, in my capacity as operating theatre manager of the St James chain of hospitals, to call me on 2180 5160 or 2329 1110 at her convenience, so that I can meet her and give her a true picture of the comprehensive package prices that are offered at St James Hospital as well as the terms of payment that are offered to the public.

May I take this opportunity to inform the general public that contrary to what Ms Borg decided to quote, a joint replacement operation may be carried out at one of the St James Hospitals for a fee less than half that quoted by Ms Borg, inclusive of professional fees and all sundry expenses.

Albert Micallef

Operating Theatre Manager

St James Hospital