The Health Division and Zurrieq local council signed an agreement yesterday under which Zurrieq health clinic will be rebuilt under a contract worth Lm35,000 (euro 81,528). The central government will contribute 85 per cent of the cost, the council the remaining 15 per cent.

Helen D’Amato, parliamentary secretary for the elderly and community care, said 9,200 persons had used the health clinic last year, which worked out at an average of 800 persons each month, or 27 persons each day. Ms D’Amato attended the signing together with Health Minister Louis Deguara.

Dr Deguara said that after completing the Mater Dei hospital, the government would concentrate on community care and preventive care services.