Reference is made to the article by Raphael Vassallo “Decisive decisions indeed” where he passed depreciative comments on the Minister of Health the Elderly and Community Care in connection with, among other issues, the St Luke’s Hospital incinerator. Mr Vassallo invites the Minister to explain (TMIS, 17 January).

The problem is not with explaining but with those like Mr Vassallo who do not accept the explanation. The Ministry has time and time again explained the procedure to be followed which cannot be bypassed. Mr Vassallo suggests the minister should step in and bend the rules in which case most probably Mr Vassallo would be among the first to accuse the minister of interfering in the process or not abiding by the rules.

Yes, the minister has committed himself and he intends to honour his commitment to solve this problem but within the parameters of existing government regulations.

A new call for technology was issued last June and now six bidders have been shortlisted. It is hoped that the procedure will continue to run smoothly and the new technology will be up and running in the coming months.

Edgar Gambin

Communications Co-Ordinator

Ministry of Health, the Elderly and Community Care