The government has said that the health authorities are in a position to run the three hospitals which Steward are “abandoning”.

In a statement, the government said that the health authorities can immediately take over the running of the hospital operations.

It was referring to statement issued earlier today by Steward Health Care, with the company saying it was terminating the concession agreement it had for the running of Karin Grech, St Lukes and Gozo hospitals.

The government said it wanted to ensure the workers that their job is guaranteed. It also wanted to ensure the patients that medical services would continue.

The government said it was in total disagreement with the reasoning of Steward for abandoning the hospitals.

It added that it would be responding to the claims in the appropriate fora in the best interests of the country.