Baxter International Foundation has this year approved the funding for the Malta Hospice Movement's proposal for a medical specialist in palliative care. The grant amounts to $44,500 and covers a period of three years.

The funding will include the sponsoring of training for a medical specialist in palliative care; part of the medical specialist fees over a period of three years and the broadening of expertise of the multi-disciplinary team of the Malta Hospice Movement which will enhance its services to the community.

Palliative care is the active total care of patients whose disease is no longer responsive to curative treatment and for whom the goal must be the best possible quality of life for them and their families.

Palliative care is provided by a multi-professional team and offered in conjunction with all other appropriate forms of medical treatment.

In Malta, the Hospice Movement is the only organisation offering palliative care. Their services are recognised by the Health Authorities who in return receive an annual grant which covers approximately one third of their current budgetary requirements.

Attending the presentation were Julian Dimech (director manufacturing) and Kenneth Formosa (human resources director) on behalf of Baxter Malta and Therese Naudi (chairperson) and Antoinette Shah (general manager) on behalf of the Malta Hospice Movement.

In a brief statement Mr Dimech referred to the ongoing philanthropic involvement of Baxter International Foundation worldwide, "As part of the philanthropic arm of Baxter International Inc, the Foundation supports the development of more accessible and affordable healthcare worldwide. Since 2001, Baxter Malta managed to donate over than $300,000 in grants to local philanthropic organisations for specialised projects." He said, "In this regard the Foundation was fully supporting The Malta Hospice Movement's project which would bring tangible and essential aid to those who most needed it."

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.