PM does not deny that Mizzi met with Vitalis Healthcare before tender for Gozo Hospital was issued

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat does not deny that a meeting between Minister Konrad Mizzi and one of the Directors of Vitalis Global Healthcare ever took place before the tendering process for the Gozo Project even started.

The government has signed a deal with Vitalis Global Healthcare for the privatisation of the Gozo General Hospital and St Lukes Hospital. At the time when the deal was struck, Konrad Mizzi was the Minister responsible for Energy and Health.

Asked to deny or confirm if Dr Mizzi ever met one of the directors before the tendering process started, the Prime Minister said that the government meets with a lot of people all the time to discuss various offers.

"The issue is not whether you meet this person before or after the tendering process kicks off, but to ensure that a fair tender offer is opened and whoever is interested is free to tender present their proposals."

Pressed to confirm if any meeting took place with one particular director of Vitalis Global Healthcare, Mr Sri Ram Tumuluri, the Prime Minister replied "I do not have Konrad Mizzi's diary."

"I can only confirm that a public tender was issued and that anyone interested in the project could submit a proposal."

He said that the regeneration of the Gozo General Hospital will be very beneficial both for Malta and Gozo.

Former Health Minister and EU Commissioner John Dalli has categorically denied meeting with subcontractors before a public call for expression was made. 

from The Malta Independent http://ift.tt/1VvKnOG
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