15,000 digital X-Rays were taken in community health centres instead of at Mater Dei, saving patients the trouble of going to the hospital while still receiving a quality service, Parliamentary Secretary for Health Chris Fearne said today.

Speaking at the inauguration of a new health clinic at the Msida Local Council offices, Mr Fearne also announced that 11,000 warfarin tests were carried out in the community and 12,000 patients were seen by orthopaedic specialists in Health Centres.

Mr Fearne said the government was introducing new community-based services to reduce queues at Mater Dei. At the same time it is strengthening secondary healthcare services.

Parliamentary Secretary Stefan Buontempo, responsible for Local Coucils, said the devolution process to transfer health clinics (bereg) under local councils is part of the government’s efforts towards more efficient councils that are closer to the public. The Msida clinic is totally accessible to persons with disabilities and is situated at the heart of the locality.