Physiotherapy: Speedy implementation of professionals' registration assured

To prevent malpractice and improve the quality of services in the physiotherapy and rehabilitation sector in the country, the rehabilitation practitioner (physiotherapy) license and registration of professionals will be implemented quickly, said Dr. Mohammad Abu Yusuf, Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and President of the Bangladesh Rehabilitation Council.

He gave this assurance while speaking as the chief guest at a national conference organized by the Bangladesh Physiotherapy Association (BPA) and the Joint Physiotherapy Chikitsak Parishad on Monday, marking World Physiotherapy Day, at the IDEB Bhaban in the capital.

He said: "In Bangladesh, people over 60 years currently constitute 10% of the total population and by 2050, one-third of the total population will reach old age. Physiotherapy is an effective solution to protect the health of the elderly population. The government is working to support policies in this sector and increase public awareness."

The theme of this year's conference was: "Physiotherapy plays an important role in the physical well-being of the elderly and the prevention of various age-related problems."

Bangladesh Medical College Chairman and former BNP Health Affairs Secretary Professor Dr. Kazi Mazharul Islam Dolan was present as a special guest at the event. He said: "Physiotherapy is an integral part of the health system. This sector will become stronger if government and private sector coordination increases."

Bangladesh Physiotherapy Association (BPA) Organizing Secretary Dr. Md. Nesar Uddin moderated the event, while Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Central Shura Member and Dhaka Metropolitan South Secretary Dr. Md. Shafiqul Islam Masud; Dhaka University Institute of Health Economics Professor Dr. Syed Abdul Hamid; Dr. Md. Rizwanur Rahman, Additional Director General (Administration), Directorate of Health and CRP Executive Director Dr. Mohammad Sohrab Hossain delivered speeches as special guests.

The keynote address was delivered by BPA General Secretary Dr. M. Shahadat Hossain and the closing speech was delivered by BPA President Professor Dr. Muhammad Anwar Hossain.

The speakers demanded the government to quickly license and register physiotherapy professionals from the Bangladesh Rehabilitation Council and appoint physiotherapy doctors from primary to tertiary levels in the ninth grade.

Physiotherapy doctors, educators, policymakers and media representatives from different parts of the country participated in the conference. The organizers expressed the hope that through this event, physiotherapy services in the country will be more widespread and acceptable.