The Ministry of Health and private healthcare providers have agreed a protocol for the leasing of medical equipment from Mater Dei Hospital.
The ministry said the purpose of the agreement was to reinforce relations between both sectors and ensure there are better services to patients.
The protocol also provides for leasing of equipment by Mater Dei when its own equipment suffers a breakdown.
The protocol establishes payment terms and the procedure for inspections before and after equipment is leased.
The ministry said that although equipment was leased in the past, this was the first protocol to establish clear procedures. Mater Dei received no revenue from leased equipment in the past.