Labour whip and former minister Godfrey Farrugia has been released from hospital following tests after he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer.  

The government said Dr Farrugia is now awaiting an appointment for surgery in London. Until that time he will continue to serve as whip of the Labour parliamentary group. 

He is then expected to resume his duties in parliament a few weeks after his operation, the government said.  

Dr Farrugia's partner, Marlene, said this morning that upon his release from hospital they would have a celebration everyday 'till we stop for the next step'.

"Then we celebrate again," she said.

In comments to Times of Malta last week, Dr Farrugia said:  

“I broke the news to my family when I got the diagnosis and everyone is supporting me,” he said.

“I am a person who accepts things immediately. I am very lucky because I got to know through screening not through symptoms and despite the ordeal the important thing is to end up as winners.”

He said that as a family doctor he always urged his patients to be good patients and it was now his turn to lead by example. However, he acknowledged concern about any complications that may arise as a result of the operation.

“The fear element is there but you have to accept the condition and once you do so, you are ready for it. I am not frightened of the ordeal itself,” Dr Farrugia said.