Please allow me to answer your correspondent who took me to task (TMID 19 May) for “daring” to speak about the exorbitant fees paid for operations at St James Hospital.

First of all, I did not refer to a hip replacement operation costing Lm6,000 but a knee operation. The operation on one knee costs precisely Lm3,500 and on both knees is Lm6,000.

Outrageous prices are being demanded for visiting consultants and doctors as well as for having private operations (though I do agree that everyone is entitled to be paid when a service is provided).

There is no doubt, however, that consultants, doctors, etc., are charging the earth for the performed deed.

Valerie Borg

MLP councillor

VALLETTA