Former Prime Minister Dom Mintoff was discharged from Mater Dei Hospital yesterday afternoon in time to celebrate his 96th birthday tomorrow.

His daughter Yana Mintoff Bland told The Sunday Times he had left hospital and would now be continuing his recovery at home. She praised doctors and staff at Mater Dei Hospital who had done a “fantastic job” and thanked his supporters for their prayers and support.

She said they will be holding a small family celebration to mark Mr Mintoff’s 96th birthday.

The former prime minister has defied death several times in recent years.

He was admitted in a critical condition on July 18 suffering from pulmonary oedema – fluid accumulation in the lungs – but he started to stabilise the next day. A few days later, a medical bulletin said his condition had improved “remarkably” and he no longer required care in the hospital’s Intensive Therapy Unit. His daughter said her father’s recovery had been “miraculous”.

Mr Mintoff was last in hospital in February. At the time he suffered a severe chest infection and heart failure, but managed to pull through.

He was also admitted to Mater Dei and Gozo General Hospital several times last year after becoming increasingly frail.