Pictured above Birkirkara Mayor Michael Fenech Adami, Dr Natasha Azzopardi Muscat, Chief Medical Officer Minister Joe Cassar, Gemma Mifsud Bonnici, Lawrence Bonavia, Manager Nursing Services, Primary Health Care Edward Borg, CEO, Primary Health Care

The Vodafone Malta Foundation has financed a new Podopaediatrics Clinic at the Birkirkara Health Centre.  A first of its kind in Malta, the clinic will provide a dedicated service to children by focusing on the treatment and correction of early foot deformities, early detection and preventive foot care.  Early intervention is imperative since in the early stages of a child’s life the feet and lower limbs undergo many changes at certain developmental milestones.  Podiatrists at the clinic will check for abnormalities as part of preventive measures.  Assessments are painless with little inconvenience but will go a long way to prevent malfunctions and to prescribe treatment and cure as early as possible.  Many problems can be treated with success when the child is still young.

With full financing from the Vodafone Malta Foundation, the clinic is well equipped with all the necessary equipment to carry out assessments.  A child-friendly place with colourful paint work and wall decorations, the clinic is well equipped with a foot imprinter, a footwork scanner and a foot measure.  The imprinter set is used to take measurements when prescribing simple orthotics (insoles) or to measure width and length of feet.  It also gives a dynamic, weight bearing imprint of the foot to help in correctly prescribing balanced foot orthotics, accurate measurement of pressure, disbursement and arch shape.  It is also a valuable tool to determine if the foot is flat, normal or high arched.

The foot scan examines the biomechanics of the foot – an analytical tool commonly used for practical and research purposes.  It can map the way a child walks and also read the pressure levels that the foot is exerting on the ground.  It is an excellent tool for identifying the need for any correction when prescribing orthotics.  The system measures weight distribution to all contact points along the bottom surface of the foot.  It can also guide practitioners to identify any misalignments of the body thus making correction effective.

“One of the pillars in society that the Foundation works hard to support is that of health and medical development. Our main aim is to invest in the local community to help people lead healthier and fuller lives,” said Ms Gemma Mifsud Bonnici, Chairperson of the Vodafone Malta Foundation. “We do this by supporting local activities and organisations that can truly make a difference. When we were approached to support the podopaediatrics clinic we instantly agreed to offer our total backing because we immediately understood the importance of having such a vital service.  Children are our future and we strongly believe in our commitment to finance this clinic which can help toddlers and youngsters stride towards a healthier life.”

Dr Joe Cassar, Minister for Health, the Elderly and Community Care thanked the Vodafone Malta Foundation for their proactive approach and sense of commitment towards society. He said that such attitude sets an example for all of us, and highlights the need for all to work towards a common goal – that of contributing towards a better service for our society. Minister Joe Cassar said that the new pleasant environment at the clinic will definitely enhance the experience of the patients using the service. “It is indeed a privilege to witness the result of the commitment shown by a private telecommunications company in the health sector. This is a true example of corporate social responsibility, where the Vodafone Malta Foundation is directly helping our young patients using this clinic. We thank and commend the Vodafone Malta Foundation for its sterling work.”

An estimated 800 children will be seen by the clinic annually with an average of 18 patients a day.  The clinic is open Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays between 8.00 am and 1.30 pm.  The clinic sees children until the age of 15.  More information can be obtained by calling 21494961.