Privatisation with particular reference to contracting out of catering at the Gozo General Hospital

Abstract

Privatisation is generally treated from an economic perspective, with reliance on scientific methodology. Humanity goes beyond the possibilities of scientific analysis. Beholding man in all his dimensions, we will find a meaning to privatisation which will be more in tune with human nature. In Chapter I, I suggested that rationality can only act upon the information which it receives. I explain how man's material/physical dimension bars an equal distribution of knowledge and ultimately that truth which enables the convergence of man's intellectual dimension. The historical overview in Chapter I serves to explain how man's quest for knowledge results in inequalities which bring about the tension between individual self-fulfilment and the self-fulfilment of the other individuals. The right to self-fulfilment is contingent upon the existence of society. We have thus arrived at the tensions between private needs and pub 1 i c needs . Privatisation is an aspect of these tensions. In Chapter II I state that capitalism does not encourage the seeking of a fuller self-realisation. Man must be given an opportunity to control a wider spectrum of his life. Employers must forfeit some of their powers to the employees. Therefore, the term 'privatisation should apply also to the private sector. Political action must shift emphasis from profit/earnings maximisation to concepts such as solidarity and subsidiarity. Chapter II ends by explaining how privatisation can achieve solidarity and subsidiarity using the co-operative as a model. The case study in Chapter III considers the possibility of government creating a co-operative among the kitchen employees at Gozo General Hospital. Interviews were carried out with many of the employees concerned. Chapter III ends with the argument that self-managed firms have a right to exist. should not bar self-managed Economic non-viability firms from flourishing. The conclusion urges the Government to act in favour of privatisation towards democratisation.