Cardiologist Albert Fenech, a Nationalist MP, will be heading a cardiology department within the privately-run revamped St Luke's Hospital.

The announcement, made by Prof. Fenech himself in the PN media, was hailed by the Labour Party as 'another certificate' to the government’s health policy.

The PL said Opposition leader Simon Busuttil and health shadow minister Claudette Buttigieg had been criticising the €200m project, in which it now resulted Prof. Fenech was directly involved for weeks.

The government announced in June that Vitals Global Healthcare, owned by a Singaporean investment firm, had been selected as the preferred bidder for the redevelopment, maintenance, management and operation of St. Luke’s Hospital, Karin Grech Rehabilitation Hospital and Gozo General Hospital.  

Prof. Fenech, a Nationalist MP, worked at Mater Dei Hospital until September, when his contract was not renewed by the government when he reached retirement age.

PN: PEOPLE WILL NOW HAVE TO PAY FOR PROF FENECH'S SERVICES

In a statement, the Nationalist Party said the private company which is taking over St Luke's had realised the value of Prof. Fenech's capabilities after the government discarded him by not renewing his contract.

As a result, patients would now have to pay for Prof. Fenech's services, when they were previously available free of charge. 

It was shameful that Health Minister Konrad Mizzi was now claiming that Prof. Fenech was endorsing his health sector plans, when he had not renewed his contract and forced him to look elsewhere, the PN said.

Dr Mizzi was deceiving the people the same way as the prime minister had done during his new year message.

MINISTRY: PROF FENECH'S SERVICES TO THE MALTESE WILL BE FREE OF CHARGE

In a reply, the Ministry of Energy and Health said the €200 million project would ensure that medical services remained free of charge, including the services which Prof Fenech would provide. He would be employed by a private company to provide services free of charge to the Maltese people.

The ministry asked if the Opposition would continue to be against the project, which would include a rehabilitation hospital, a dermatological centre, geriatric care, a new general hospital in Gozo, a medical school in Gozo and medical tourism.