The Ministry for Health has sent a right of reply to the article in The Sunday Times of Malta regarding the story about the lease on Gozo General Hospital to potentially be extended to 99 years instead of the agreed 30.

This was said in a statement today claiming that Opposition Leader Simon Busuttil's comments during a radio interview earlier today was misinformed and he was using "wrong facts to cast doubts on the largest investment which our country has ever seen in the health sector."

The statement went on to say that the government has repeatedly said that the privatisation agreements are for 30 years. In the case of Gozo General Hospital and Karen Grech Hospital, the Government will decide if it wants an extension after the 30 years are up.

In conclusion, the statement insisted that "St Luke's Hospital, Karen Grech Hospital and Gozo General Hospital will be developed anew with private investment while health services to Maltese and Gozitan patients will remain free."