Physiopedia recently organised a workshop in Islamabad, Pakistan, aimed at fostering collaboration between professional associations to strengthen the rehabilitation workforce both locally and nationally.
As attention turns towards investing in rehabilitation services in Pakistan, there arises a dual necessity: the presence of highly skilled rehabilitation professionals and the enhancement of professional regulation on both local and national fronts.
Supported by USAID through the ReLAB-HS activity, a workshop was organised in Islamabad to discuss the advancement of professional regulation within the rehabilitation sector. Attended by 21 individuals representing national professional associations encompassing Physiotherapy (PT), Occupational Therapy (OT), Speech and Language Therapy (SLT), Clinical Psychology, and Prosthetics and Orthotics (P&O). Presentations were delivered by Rachael Lowe (PT) and Yara Peterko (OT) from the Physiopedia team. The primary objective of the workshop was to implement the IRETT Professionalisation and Regulation Reflection Tool, to assist in identifying essential steps for professionalising the rehabilitation professions in alignment with international standards. This tool aids stakeholders interested in regulatory matters to evaluate strengths and weaknesses and formulate actions for developing local and national strategies.
Upon the meeting’s conclusion, it was unanimously agreed, among other resolutions, that establishing a unified body representing all rehabilitation professions would be beneficial in advancing this endeavour. Consequently, the group committed to establish a National Rehabilitation Alliance to strengthen the rehabilitation workforce on both local and national fronts.
More tasks lie ahead, particularly in prioritising which areas require regulation and in establishing the National Rehabilitation Alliance. his ongoing work will continue in the coming months through a dedicated network created to advance rehabilitation in Pakistan on the Rehabilitation Community platform.
