It was reported recently that the Government has refused to disclose the renumeration given to a Czech consultant ophthalmologist at Mater Dei Hospital, citing the data protection law.

If only the source requesting the information knew how hard this unnamed consultant works, he would have thought twice before asking for what is clearly confidential information.

This consultant performs operations on Sundays and with his skill and expertise has saved the sight of many patients, myself included.

We are blessed with Maltese ophthalmologists who are just as skilful. However, I cannot say the same for three Maltese eye consultants who failed to diagnose my incipient glaucoma and were quite happy to prescribe useless new glasses at some cost. This Czech doctor at once diagnosed the condition, prescribed treatment and saved my eyesight from a condition known as “ the sight stealer”.

The Government was correct in its response. This rather shameful political tactic should have been forcefully answered in defence of this doctor, the implication of the enquiry being that the Government is squandering money when the evidence is that, whatever renumeration he is receiving, the health service has made an excellent bargain.