Dr Fenton Ferguson, opposition spokesman on health, environment and global warming yesterday expressed concern over the Government's intention to purchase the St Joseph's Hospital, a private facility in Kingston.

Ferguson, in a release yesterday said he was concerned about the "lack of openness, transparency and dialogue that have characterised this arrangement."

He disclosed he was worried about the wisdom and economic viability of the deal and the security of tenure of the workers.

Ferguson also said he would be keeping a close eye on the imminent closure of the Health Corporation Limited, a subsidiary of the Ministry of the Health, that is charged with the responsibility of procuring, warehousing and distributing pharmaceuticals and medical sundries within the public sector, to ensure that the quality of health care provided the public is not compromised.

Up to last night, Health Minister Rudyard Spencer could not be reached for a comment.