Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton has assured that government is taking steps to improve services offered at primary health centres, or clinics, so that more patients can get treatment there and reduce the burden on hospitals.

The matter was raised last evening, during a social media live forum on accident and emergency departments, and how these units function.

Head of the Accident and Emergency Department at the Bustamante Hospital for Children, Dr. Mara Hosang was the guest presenter.

In response to questions from the public, Dr. Hosang expressed the need for clinics to have extended opening hours so that persons can get treatment especially at nights.

The minister agreed with the suggestion for extended opening hours and pointed out that the government will be initiating a primary health care reform project soon.

This reform will seek to address issues at clinics to include provision of more doctors, and more resources, to facilitate more care offerings.