Possible "technical damage" has been reported at Mater Dei Hospital's IVF incubator but all embryos appeared to have remained viable, the Health Ministry said this evening. 

An independent inquiry has been appointed after the Health Minister was informed of the temporary damage in the incubator, which was carrying embryos in the process of being planted in mothers as part of the IVF process. 

The clinical authorities at Mater Dei Hospital informed the Embryo Protection Authority about the case.

After all involved couples were informed, the IVF process continued on advice of medical experts, the ministry said. 

In a reaction, the Nationalist Party expressed solidarity with the couples impacted, saying this was a sensitive case in which lives were effected. 

"The PN is insisting the appointed inquiry is serious and independent and unlike the ones usually done by this government."

The IVF service at Mater Dei started operating in November 2013. 

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