Steward Malta today categorically denies that the Gozo hospital project is on hold, as reported in Times of Malta today.

Steward Health Care Malta said took over the concession in Malta in March 2018, with a clear requirement to prioritize the construction of the Barts Medical School.

In just 7 months, Steward has delivered on the design and build of a state-of-the-art anatomy centre, which has now been passed over to Barts for their use, and has structurally completed the Barts Medical School, with works on the interiors progressing at a steady pace.

While Steward has focused on the Barts project, it has also begun works on the master plan for both the new hospital in Gozo, and the re-development at Karin Grech and St Luke’s Hospital. Steward’s aim is to build facilities which not only meet the needs of the current population but will serve as state-of-the-art hospitals for years to come.

Like all projects of this magnitude, the planning phase is arguably the most critical, which is why Steward and the government have agreed to re-set the timelines in a way which allowed for the proper development of the plans. Steward Malta is committed to deliver on all obligations as set out in the concession agreement and will make the appropriate announcements in due course.

The Malta Independent this week reported Health Minister Chris Fearne denying Steward were leaving Malta.