A tent set up outside Mater Dei Hospital to serve as an extension before it was dismantled by the government after just one day cost taxpayers almost €8,000.

Former Health Minister Godfrey Farrugia took the controversial decision to erect the temporary facility last January to cope with a possible influx of influenza patients.

But in an awkward decision, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat ordered it to be dismantled following protests.

Times of Malta is informed that the government was charged €7,604 to set up and dismantle the tent.

The work was carried out following a direct order issued by the Health Ministry to the Malta Fairs and Convention Centre, organisers of the Ta’ Qali trade fair.

The ministry had described it as a “proactive measure to avoid overcrowding”.

But the sudden appearance of a large tent in front of the Day Care Unit had been immediately shot down by hospital workers, particularly doctors and nurses. The nurses’ union had ordered its members not to work in it.

Health Minister Godfrey Farrugia was replaced three months later following a Cabinet reshuffle.