The Baxter International Foundation has once again approved the funding of a project related to healthcare in Malta. This year, the project endorsed by the foundation is the one proposed by the Park of Friendship for a Physical Therapy Clinic for children and adults. The grant amounts to $46,500 and covers a period of three years.

The Physical Therapy Clinic will treat various conditions from inherited physical disabilities to acquired disabilities following automobile accidents, such as spinal and head injuries. There is no such set-up in Malta and the funds will be utilised for the provision of a full-time physiotherapist, and specialised equipment to complement their rehabilitation setup, to cater for paediatric and adult clients.

The Baxter International Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Baxter International Inc. Through its grant programme, The Baxter International Foundation funds initiatives that improve the access, quality and cost-effectiveness of healthcare. The foundation also works to increase the availability, commitment and skills of healthcare providers.

The official presentation was made yesterday by Baxter Malta’s human resources manager Kenneth Formosa, to park CEO Nathan Farrugia.

Mr Formosa said that, as the philanthropic arm of Baxter International Inc., the Baxter International Foundation supports the development of more accessible and affordable healthcare worldwide. He said that “Baxter was gladly supporting this particular project especially as the park offers the local community a unique and very essential service, and this grant will help to further expand the present facilities.”

Mr Farrugia thanked Baxter Malta for their support and interest shown in their services. “Baxter has been supportive of our work for many years and this investment will surely strengthen our relationship, as well as further improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities in Malta”. The Park of Friendship is a charitable organisation, offering an array of free recreational and therapeutic services to persons with a disability. This institution fills a void in structured recreational therapies and education activities, not provided anywhere else on the island. It depends entirely on fund-raising and donations from the general public, and from support from the private business sector.