Mater Dei Hospital has been loaned a laser machine worth €60,000 until the tendering process to repair the one owned by the hospital is completed.

The hospital’s machine, which is used to remove birthmarks and veins, has been out of use for the past year, Charles Grixti, consultant to the Health Ministry, said yesterday.

A tender has been issued for repairs and the deadline for a call for expressions of interest will close at the end of this month.