The Auditor General has accepted the Nationalist Party’s request to investigate the deal the government reached for the transfer of three hospitals, the PN said in a statement.

St Luke’s Hospital, Karin Grech Hospital and Gozo Hospital were all transferred to Vitals Global Healthcare without an electoral mandate, and the agreement was kept secret, the PN said.

The Auditor General’s acceptance shows that the PN is right to express its concern on the deal, and whether it was good value for money for the public. The investigation will also cover the concession awarded to a third party 20 months after the original contract was signed, the PN said.

The PN added that the administration of the hospitals should reflect the people’s needs, and not the interests of “hidden businessmen”.

In a separate statement, the Labour Party said that the Auditor General's investigation is proof that the government has nothing to hide.

The PL said that the original request for an investigation was made by deputy leader Chris Fearne.