Health Minister Chris Fearne has spoken publicly following international media allegations that a Health official accepted nearly half a million in bribes during VGH negotiations that led to the official suspending herself.

“The Health Minister would like to clarify that this is the first time these allegations were brought to his attention,” the Health Ministry said today.

“Even though the allegations refer to dates prior to the employment of Ms Ciantar with the Foundation for Medical Services, and even though she has refused these allegations, Fearne still felt that he should immediately accept her suspension.”

Fearne appealed to the police and relevant authorities to begin investigating to figure out the truth as soon as possible.