An agreement that will lead to longer opening hours of health centres, was signed this afternoon between the government and the Medical Association of Malta.

Health Minister Joe Cassar said the agreement would take health services a step forward, offering improved salaries and work conditions for doctors, building on another agreement that had been reached five years ago.

Dr Cassar explained that the previous agreement stemmed the brain drain of doctors leaving Malta, with more doctors now opting to work and study in Malta.

The new agreement would provide better conditions for doctors who worked in the  primary health sector.

The minister said that regional hubs and health centres would be accessible for longer hours and on more days. He hoped the agreement would bear fruit and motivate doctors.

In terms of the agreement, health centres which currently close early are expected, in the near future, to open till  8pm.