The company behind a controversial hospitals deal has “rejected” Malta’s “irresponsible and groundless legal retaliation attempts” in the wake of a major court decision.

“Steward Health Care Malta calls on the Government of Malta to engage responsibly in the handover of the management of the hospitals, for the benefit of patients and staff alike,” it said in a statement today.

“Recent government statements claiming to terminate the concession have no legitimate legal basis and are made solely for political ends.”

“Steward denies and rejects the Government of Malta’s attempts to terminate what was already a Concessionaire terminated concession. The government’s ‘Step-in Notice and Termination Notice’ have no legal basis.

“Contrary to statements made public earlier this week, the Government of Malta is legally not in a position to force its step in and is therefore not currently participating in any additional capacity within the Concession.”

Their reaction comes as Malta’s health authorities committed to taking over the hospitals after Steward “abandoned” operations.

“Steward Malta is disappointed that the Government is attempting to engage in a legal ‘tit-for-tat’ for purely political ends, rather than acting responsibly and professionally for the benefit of the people of Malta.”

The global healthcare company urged the state to focus “on actions rather than words”.

“Instead of making legally unsound statements to the media, the government is called on to engage in productive discussions that lead to a structured and smooth handover that benefits the continued wellbeing of our patients and staff at the hospitals.”