AD on St Philip’s: ‘Acquisition of new infrastructure should be transparent, fair’

Alternattiva Demokratika has urged government to be transparent in its contract over the leasing of St Philip's Hospital.

In comments to the media, AD chairperson Michael Briguglio said that state acquisition of new infrastructure should always be subject of proper scrutiny.

"While it is imperative that Malta's public health service is universally accessible for all, it is also important to ensure that state acquisition of new infrastructure is transparent, fair and cost-effective," Briguglio said today.

On the St Philip's Hospital acquisition, Briguglio said proper scrutiny of the process was needed to see that all prerequisites were adhered to.

On his part, AD deputy chairperson Carmel Cacopardo said government shouldn't sign the contract before the Auditor General has examined the case.

"Government shouldn't proceed with signing the contract before the whole case has been examined by the Auditor General and discussed by Parliament, directly and through the Public Accounts Committee," he said.

Cacopardo said the Auditor General and parliament should be given immediate access to all documentation. This would include MEPA's advise on the development potential of the hospital site, the reports and the costing on all alternatives considered by government including the reports on the rehabilitation of St Luke's Hospital.

Cacopardo added that government should never have pre-selected St Philip's Hospital without first issuing either a tender or else a request for an expression of interest.

"Government not considering St Luke's Hospital as a possible long term solution for a Rehabilitation Hospital is also indicative of bad governance," he said.