For Chris Fearne, the Parliamentary Secretary for Health, his recent visit to the Malta FA’s new physiotherapy and rehabilitation clinic evoked memories when, as a young doctor, he formed part of the association’s medical staff.

An avid football fan, Mr Fearne recalled that the medical facilities at Ta’ Qali were virtually non-existent at the time but the new, spacious clinic, complete with an MRI scanner, is testament to the advances made in this evolving field over the last two decades.

“Twenty-seven years ago, together with David Attard, I started to work as one of the MFA doctors on a voluntary basis,” he said.

“David Attard is still here whereas I have moved on to other things.

“At the time, there were no medical facilities but the then MFA president, George Abela, had the foresight to give us a room in the technical centre to use for physiotherapy and injury-treatment purposes.

“Over the years, there have been significant developments in this field and today the Malta FA boasts a physiotherapy and rehab clinic on a national level.

“They have also invested in an MRI machine which is self-sustainable and that is very positive.”

Mr Fearne was shown around the Malta FA’s medical and rehab facilities, which also include a 25-metre pool, by Bjorn Vassallo, the MFA general secretary, and Dr Attard who heads the association’s medical department.

David Agius, the Opposition spokesman for sport, and Luciano Busuttil, the Kunsill Malti għall-iSport chairman, were also present.

As the person responsible for the country’s health sector, Mr Fearne is pleased that the Millennium Stand Clinic caters not only for footballers and athletes but also the public.

“Another important thing is that this clinic offers its services to the community,” he noted.

“We embrace this practice with open arms.”

On a national scale, sports medicine has hardly registered on the government’s agenda in the last two decades but Mr Fearne has moved to address this flaw.

“We are in process of appointing a consultant in sports medicine,” Mr Fearne said.

“Two candidates have been interviewed and the post should be filled in the coming weeks. We strongly believe in the benefits of adopting the right measures to prevent injuries.

“Treating injuries at an early stage is very important but preventive action is crucial.

“The pertinent question is... what can we do to prevent injuries in sports?

“We are going to look at the state of the pitches, the type of shoes worn when practising different sport, the importance of using the right equipment like shin guards and the heightened injury risks when youngsters compete with older players.

“This is part of the brief of the sports medicine consultant.”

A pediatric surgeon by profession, Mr Fearne clearly has the well-being of children and the entire population at heart.

Earlier this year, Mr Fearne, together with Education Minister Evarist Bartolo, unfurled the Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Policy Document which lays emphasis on healthy eating and physical activity through holistic education.

Having long championed the benefits of sports participation and physical exercise in the fight against obesity, Mr Fearne is determined to do more to further raise awareness about the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle.

“We are working closely with the World Health Organisation (WHO) on this subject,” Mr Fearne said.

“In the next few weeks, we are hosting an international conference on the importance of physical exercise.

“Research shows that regular exercise is immensely beneficial for your health.

“Along with the Education Ministry, we have launched a policy on physical activity for schoolchildren.

“The Health Promotion Unit has a number of on-going campaigns, also in conjunction with Local Councils who promote healthy living through activities such as Zumba sessions.”

A study carried out in Norway recently found that half-an-hour of exercise six times a week was linked to a 40 per cent lower risk of death in elderly males.

Mr Fearne may have his hands full as Parliamentary Secretary for Health but unlike the multitude of people who blame long working hours for their lack of physical activity, he has not neglected his fitness.

“I go to the gym every day between 7.30 and 8.15am. I do some fitness work before heading to the office and believe me, it makes me feel very good,” he said.