The weekend emergency service which is given at St. James Capua Sliema and Żabbar will be discontinued from Friday, the government said.

The service, contracted by the government, was launched in May last year but it did not achieve its primary purpose of easing the load on Mater Dei Hospital, the government said.  Therefore, the government's outlay was not justified.

The Health Ministry said the health centres at Mosta, Paola, and Floriana are  open 24 hours on weekends.

Qormi, Rabat and Cospicua health centres are open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays and closed on Sundays.

Gzira health centre is open between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturdays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.