Recognise physiotherapy

Several hundred physiotherapists at a congress yesterday demanded recognition of physiotherapy as an independent and autonomous profession to ensure comprehensive health service to people.
The 4th National Physiotherapy Congress was organised by Bangladesh Physiotherapy Association (BPA) at Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban in Dhaka University where 300 physiotherapists, out of around 1,500 in the country, were present.
Assuring government consideration to their proposal, Finance Minister AMA Muhit, addressing the congress as the chief guest, suggested leaders of the physiotherapists to submit a written proposal in this regard to the health ministry.
“I believe the government would go ahead with the proposal of appointing a physiotherapist in every government health centre and hospital,” said Muhit.
He urged physiotherapists to continue research and upgrade their academic curriculum to MBBS and BDS standard to realise their demand.
“Physiotherapy is critical in providing road accident victims the services they need to bring them back to an active and normal life,” said Prof Dr Khondhaker Shefayetullah, director general of Directorate General of Health Services.
Speakers at the programme also demanded formation of a licensing and registering authority, enabling physiotherapists to legally and independently diagnose and treat people after graduation.
Earlier, former BPA general secretary Prof Dr Sohrab Hossain and Gono Bishwabidyalaya Assistant Prof Dr Mohan Nallathambi presented two keynote papers focusing on the profession's growth and its contemporary practice in Bangladesh and abroad.
BPA Secretary General Dr Bakhtiar, BPA Chief Adviser Prof Altaf Hossain Sarker and Popular Group Managing Director Dr Mostafizur Rahman addressed the congress, chaired by BPA President Dr Shahadat Hossain.