Updated | Ministry says lack of spare parts prompted stop-gap measure

The Ministry for Gozo has confirmed that surgical equipment at the Gozo General Hospital is being sent to Malta for sterilization, but denied the cause of malfunction of sterilization equipment was down to a lack of maintenance.

Reacting to a Labour statement earlier today, in which it deplored the "attempt at gaining political mileage", the ministry said the reason for the malfunction was down to a lack of spare parts for the equipment.

"We are still ensuring that nobody is exposed to any unnecessary risk," the ministry said, saying the spare parts had been ordered for the service of the sterilization equipment.

The ministry denied claims by the PL that the stop-gap measure meant that taking the equipment to Malta for sterilization could result in a lack of surgical instruments available for acute and emergency operations.

"Thanks to an agreement with Mater Dei Hospital, all instruments are given priority for sterilization, and are being made available to the GGH punctually so that they can be resent back to Gozo."

The ministry added that healthcare on the sister island remained on top of the agenda, citing millions in investment in the Pharmacy Of Your Choice scheme, a new hyperbaric unit, two new ambulances, refurbishment of hospital halls, and the removal of asbestos ceilings, as well as an extensive restructuring of operating theatres.

The ministry also said the GGH will be equipped with a €3.5 million combined heat and power station that will increase the efficiency of the generation of energy, as well as new solar panel installations.

Earlier today, Labour said that sterilisation equipment inside the Gozo general hospital last purchased in 1999 was not functioning properly, saying no maintenance work had been carried out on the equipment in the last two years.

"This is nothing but carelessness from 'GonziPN', a reflection of policies that lack priorities, that funds secondary matters but not things that are more crucial to people's health," the PL said in a statement.

Labour said the surgical instruments were now being sent to Malta for sterilization, at a risk of having a shortfall in surgical instruments for emergency and acute operations that take place in Gozo.

"This is exposing Gozitans to unnecessary risk... Gozitans are being treated like third-class citizens. A new Labour government will promise a 'hospital where one is served better and on time', where patients are prioritized, and which will be a centre that offers all hospital services, with better management and efficiency."