All the money spent on the deal to transfer three hospitals to the private sector could have been spent on new hospitals and better equipment which would have prepared the island for outbreaks such as the Coronavirus, said Nationalist Party leader Adrian Delia.

“The Maltese are paying thousands of euros for work which is not happening,” Delia said in reference to the transfer of Karin Grech, St Luke's and Gozo hospitals to Vitals Healthcare, which then went on to pass on the administration of the hospitals to Steward Healthcare.

Delia said that the Opposition is waiting for Prime Minister Abela to stop this deal with Steward. “I ask Abela to explain and provide a breakdown of the expenses of Steward. Does the government know what these other expenses include?” asked Delia.

He insisted that former Tourism Minister Konrad Mizzi and former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat should be investigated on the deal.

Speaking during a press conference, the Opposition leader said that a total of €86 million was pumped into Vitals Global Healthcare by the government during the first two years of the deal. “St Luke's Hospital is in a sorry state, the hospital in Gozo which is meant to have the latest equipment is also left in a desperate state,” Delia said. 

In the past few days, the opposition has appealed for the public to remain calm and follow the health authorities' guidelines regarding the Coronavirus outbreak after the first three cases were detected on Saturday. Delia said that the public, alongside the government, should follow the expert advice of the health authorities.

“Every decision needs to be taken in the interest of the general public, and that the government needs to understand that it should not try to take any advantage point, but to ensure that the country is prepared for the outbreak,” said Delia. 

“Superintendent of Public Health Charmaine Gauci should have the last say on what is best interest for the public when it comes to safety.”