Fearne Recalls Clashes with Mizzi over Vitals/Steward Hospitals

Fearne’s Revelations: Clashes with Mizzi over Vitals/Steward Hospital Concession

Imagine, if you will, the bustling streets of Republic Street in Valletta, the capital’s heart. Now picture this: then-Minister Konrad Mizzi, in his signature suit, striding past the Grandmaster’s Palace, his expression stern. This was the backdrop to a power struggle that would rock Malta’s healthcare sector. Today, former Health Minister Chris Fearne lifts the lid on his clashes with Mizzi over the Vitals/Steward hospitals concession.

From Promise to Controversy

The Vitals Global Healthcare concession, signed in 2015, was meant to breathe new life into Malta’s public healthcare system. Steward Healthcare, an American company, was to manage and invest in three public hospitals – Mater Dei, St. Luke’s, and Gozo General. But the deal, worth €1 billion, soon became mired in controversy. Fearne, who took over as Health Minister in 2017, found himself at the eye of the storm.

“I inherited a mess,” Fearne tells Hot Malta, his voice echoing in his office at Castille, the Auberge de Castille, a historic building in Valletta. “The contract was flawed. It gave Steward too much power, too little accountability.”

Fearne vs. Mizzi: The Power Struggle

Fearne’s first clash with Mizzi came when he tried to renegotiate the contract. “I wanted to claw back some control, ensure Malta got a fair deal,” he says. But Mizzi, then still a powerful figure in the Labour Party, dug in his heels. “He accused me of undermining the deal, creating uncertainty,” Fearne recalls. “I told him, ‘I’m not undermining anything. I’m trying to protect Malta’s interests.’ “

Fearne’s second battle with Mizzi was over the proposed privatisation of parts of Mater Dei. “Mizzi wanted to hand over entire wards to Steward. I refused. I wouldn’t let our hospital become a cash cow for an American company.” Fearne held his ground, and the plan was scrapped.

Fearne’s third clash with Mizzi was over the proposed closure of St. Luke’s Hospital in Rabat. “Mizzi wanted to shut it down, consolidate services at Mater Dei. I fought against it. St. Luke’s is a vital part of Malta’s healthcare network, especially for people in the north.” Fearne’s resistance saved St. Luke’s, at least for now.

Aftermath and Reflections

In 2019, the government terminated the Vitals/Steward concession, citing breaches of contract. Fearne looks back on his time as Health Minister with a mix of pride and regret. “I did what I thought was right for Malta. But I wish I’d been given a clean slate, a chance to start from scratch.”

Fearne’s revelations offer a fascinating glimpse into the power struggles behind one of Malta’s most controversial deals. They also of strong oversight and accountability in public-private partnerships.

As Malta looks to the future of its healthcare system, Fearne’s words serve as a stark reminder: “Never again should we sign away our hospitals, our patients’ wellbeing, without a fight.”