Explanation sought on funds for oncology, dermatology units

The Labour Party is insisting with the government to explain what happened to the money originally allocated to build oncology and dermatology units at Mater Dei Hospital.

The party's social policy spokesman, Michael Farrugia, pointed out that in 2005 the government declared that the hospital would cost €338 million, including €14 million to set up various units such as for oncology and dermato-logy. However, the bottom line was that the hospital had cost €344 million and the two units were still housed at Boffa Hospital, in Floriana, that was originally planned to close by July 2007.

To add insult to injury, he said, the government was now working on the construction of a new cancer hospital - that would house the oncology unit - for an additional cost of €48 million.

"We are talking about people's money given to the contractor (Skanska) in the most liberal of manners... Where is the money that was originally scheduled for the onco-logy and dermatology units? ... We will wait for the government's reply and then take any necessary action on the matter," Dr Farrugia said.

He said the PL was not against the construction of the cancer hospital and was willing to work with the government on issues of public health.

Dr Farrugia echoed claims made by Labour leader Joseph Muscat on Sunday when he criticised the government for allowing a cost overrun on Mater Dei Hospital.

The Health Ministry explained on Sunday that the final cost of Mater Dei had exceeded the capping announced in 2005 because of additional government requirements, mostly as a result of developments in the medical sector after the agreement was signed. The differences stemmed from exclusions in the 2005 agreement and works for the hospital to offer more services. The only remaining payment due to Skanska was €847,288.

The ministry insisted yesterday the government was committed to offering better and free health services to the people.

Today, for example, the government would be signing an agreement through which Mater Dei would be equipped with a Pet (Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography) scanner for cancer patients. Until the scanner arrived, it had signed an agreement with St James Hospital to use the private clinic's scanner.