The Paola Health Centre received 1,095 calls for ambulance assistance since the service was reintroduced in March of this year.

The Paola ambulance service covers 21 towns and villages in the sout of Malta, including Cottonera, Paola, Santa Luċija, Birżebbuġa and Xgħajra.

 Speaking at the health centre today, Health Minister Chris Fearne said the ambulance service had been stopped by previous administrations. The service was introduced again six months ago and, as figures show, has proved to be a lifesaver, he said.

Mr Fearne noted that an ambulance service was offered from the Mosta Health Centre and, of course, from Mater Dei Hospital.

“In cases of emergency, like stroke or a heart attack, every minute counts and can mean the difference between life and death. This is why we have always believed in a Paola-based ambulance, which can reach patients in the vicinity in a much shorter time.”