The podiatry screening program that assesses the health of children’s feet has been extended to all State schools in Malta and Gozo. This was announced in a visit to Santa Clara College in Sliema by the Minister for Health and Active Aging Jo Etienne Abela and the Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and the Clifton Grima Innovation.
At the beginning of the year a pilot project for this initiative was introduced in a number of schools with the aim of assessing the health of the feet of children between six and seven years old. It was explained how the pilot project involved an examination of 235 students of which 24 students were referred for further consultation at the Podopaediatrics Center of Excellence in Birkirkara where they are receiving specialized care to address their specific needs.
Minister Jo Etienne Abela said how through the collaboration between schools and health care professionals in this initiative it means a commitment to the general well-being of the students, which ensures a strong foundation for the their future. “Continuous efforts in podopaediatric screenings are essential for promoting a proactive approach to pediatric foot health within the community,” reiterated Minister Abela.
He explained how taking care of the feet from a young age is very important because it affects a person the older he gets. “We look forward so that this program is also extended in church schools and in independent schools so that in collaboration together, we can continue to carry out and offer health care for the good of the community,” concluded the Minister Abela
Minister Clifton Grima said that collaboration between ministries and governmental entities are leading to improve the well-being of students in schools. “This is another collaboration that is bearing fruit in an important sector, the health of our children,” said Minister Grima.
He spoke about the new National Strategy for Education 2024-2030 and said that the main pillar in this strategy is Wellbeing. “Student welfare is central to the Strategy, part of our commitment to a people-centred approach. Well-being that is also linked to the health of the students and therefore the strategy sees that there is an increase in the time and quality of physical activity in compulsory education, but also the protection of the health of the students”. concluded Minister Grima.
