During Tuesday’s sitting minister Godfrey Farrugia said that an Embryo Protection Authority has yet to be established, in reply to a parliamentary question put forward by PN MP Joe Cassar.

Contrary to Dr Farrugia’s claim, the Malta Independent Online has learnt that the authority has been up and running since the end of January, but the government has not yet applied for a license to carry out IVF treatment at Mater Dei.

One source in the ministry of health explained how the authority has been meeting on a regularly basis within Dr Farrugia’s own ministry.

“The authority actually meets in a boardroom at the ministry of health,” the source said, expressing incredulity that Dr Farrugia was not aware of its existence.

The board consists of five members, Albert Magri – a retired judge, Albert Scerri – a gynaecologist, Valeri Said Conti – a paediatrician, Daniela Cassar – a lawyer, and Clarissa Sammut Scerri – a psychologist.

The authority has already started to apply the recently passed IVF law, with the first batch of vetting for IVF treatment at St James’ Hospital complete.

Prior to the IVF law being passed and the authority’s regulatory oversight, IVF treatment in the private sector has been unregulated for 20 odd years.

Seeing that Mater Dei has not yet applied for a licence, Dr Cassar raised concerns in parliament with the fact that follicle tracking procedures are being undertaken there.

“Patients are being seen at Mater Dei hospital without any standards being in place and without the public system being licensed to carry out IVF treatment. This is all occurring behind everyone’s back,” Dr Cassar said in comment to this portal.

Dr Cassar warned that a dangerous precedent has been said, describing it as a potential “pandora’s box.”