An MAM directive to doctors not to work in three health centres was lifted this morning after an agreement was reached with the government late tonight.

The agreement, which was reached through an intermediary, brought to an end a directive which saw half of Malta's health centres remain unmanned by doctors for a day following a dispute on a shortage of doctors.

According to sources, the agreement will see health centre doctors offer services during limited hours, with the authorities having to find alternative ways to fill the remaining slots either by employing part-time doctors or subcontracting services to the private sector.

The agreement was described by Medical Association of Malta president Martin Balzan as "a reasonable compromise and a practical solution" although this was only a short-term solution and the two sides would continue discussing the way forward.

The Ministry for Social Policy confirmed the agreement and said services from all health centres will return to normal at 8 a.m.

Both the ministry and the MAM thanked Dr Noel Vella, Director of Industrial Relations, who was described as being instrumental for the agreement to be reached.