The Future of Global Health is Unimaginable Without the Development of Physiotherapy Services
The Future of Global Health is Unimaginable Without the Development of Physiotherapy Services
On the occasion of National Physiotherapy Day, Dr. Iraj Abdollahi emphasized: Physiotherapy today is not merely a medical service, but is considered one of the most effective and cost-efficient solutions for health systems to prevent disability, control chronic diseases, reduce invasive treatments, and improve the quality of life.
According to the report from the university's web correspondent, the text of the message from Dr. Iraj Abdollahi, President of the Iranian Physiotherapy Association and faculty member of the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, on the occasion of National Physiotherapy Day, is as follows:
Esteemed physiotherapy colleagues, the large rehabilitation family, the 25th of July is not just an occasion on the calendar; it is a day to remind ourselves of the mission we undertake every day in medical centers, clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, sports teams, universities, and research centers. The mission is to restore movement, reduce pain, maintain human independence, and bring hope back to life. Today, physiotherapy is no longer just a medical service; rather, it is considered one of the most effective and cost-efficient solutions for health systems to prevent disability, control chronic diseases, reduce the need for invasive and expensive treatments, shorten hospitalization periods, improve quality of life, and respond to the phenomenon of population aging.
The future of global health is unimaginable without the development of physiotherapy services. Thousands of committed physiotherapists in our beloved country, despite all difficulties, stand responsibly by patients every day and, relying on knowledge, skill, and professional ethics, play a valuable role in community health. These sincere efforts deserve the highest appreciation. However, the challenges facing this profession cannot be easily overlooked. The gap between the actual needs of society for physiotherapy services and available facilities, the shortage of specialized human resources, limitations in public access to services, unrealistic tariffs, inadequate insurance coverage, widespread interference by unqualified individuals in the field of physiotherapy, and the failure to fully utilize the scientific and professional capacity of physiotherapy in health system policymaking are issues that require courageous and forward-looking decisions. We believe that investing in the development of physiotherapy services is not a cost; rather, it is an investment to reduce disability, increase societal productivity, and decrease long-term costs for the health system.
We expect the country's planners and policymakers to strengthen the true position of this profession within the health system more than ever, using a scientific and evidence-based approach. At the same time, the future of physiotherapy will not be realized through advocacy alone; it depends on the cohesion of the professional community, continuous advancement of knowledge, adherence to professional ethical principles, development of research, innovation, and an effective presence in national and international arenas. The Iranian Physiotherapy Association is committed to pursuing this path alongside all colleagues. On National Physiotherapy Day, while honoring the memory of the pioneers of this profession, I sincerely thank all dear colleagues across the country, and I hope that through empathy, solidarity, and collective participation, we can create a more worthy future for the profession of physiotherapy and rehabilitation in Iran. Given its special position in the field of rehabilitation, the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences plays a significant role in the scientific development of rehabilitation disciplines, including physiotherapy, and the admission of students into the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is among these valuable actions.
Dr. Iraj Abdollahi
President of the Iranian Physiotherapy Association
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