Latest news with #Rehabilitation2030
The Star
02-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
‘M'sia in dire need of more occupational therapists'
TAIPING: Malaysia continues to face a significant shortage of occupational therapists compared to several developed countries, due to a general lack of public awareness regarding the importance of the profession. The Health Ministry's head of occupational therapy and rehabilitation services, Nora Hamid, said that with a population of over 34 million people, only about 2,700 occupational therapists are currently registered under the Allied Health Professions Act. She said more than half of that number are serving under the ministry, including in hospitals, health clinics, rehabilitation centres, and welfare institutions. 'Currently, the ratio stands at about one therapist for every 10,000 people. '(This) is significantly lower than neighbouring countries such as Singapore (3:10,000) and Hong Kong (4:10,000),' she said when met at the 2nd Malaysian Occupational Therapy Symposium yesterday, Bernama reported. Nora said the urgent need to increase the number of professionals in the field is in line with the World Health Organisation's Rehabilitation 2030 goal, which emphasises strengthening rehabilitation systems and ensuring access to comprehensive treatment.
The Star
01-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
Malaysia facing serious shortage of occupational therapists, says Health Ministry
TAIPING: Malaysia continues to face a significant shortage of occupational therapists compared to several developed countries, due to a general lack of public awareness regarding the importance of the profession. Health Ministry Occupational Therapy and Rehabilitation Services head Nora Hamid, said that with a population of over 34 million people, only about 2,700 occupational therapists are currently registered under the Allied Health Professions Act (AHP 774). She said more than half of that number were serving under the ministry, including in hospitals, health clinics, rehabilitation centres and welfare institutions. "Currently, the ratio stands at about one therapist for every 10,000 people, which is significantly lower than neighbouring countries such as Singapore (3:10,000) and Hong Kong (4:10,000),' she said when met at the 2nd Malaysian Occupational Therapy Symposium by the ministry here on Tuesday (July 1). Nora said the urgent need to increase the number of professionals in this field is in line with the World Health Organisation's (WHO) Rehabilitation 2030 goal, which emphasises strengthening rehabilitation systems and ensuring access to comprehensive treatment. According to Nora, an occupational therapist not only helps patients regain physical independence but also considers cognitive, emotional and social factors, enabling individuals to return to work, school, driving, socialising and leading lives with dignity. She said that the second edition of the symposium, held from July 1 to 3, aims to spark innovative solutions, strengthen networking efforts and ensure quality occupational therapy services are accessible to all. Nora said the initiative also supports inter-agency cooperation and the strengthening of professional networks, in line with the symposium's goal of uniting various perspectives towards inclusive and evidence-based occupational therapy practices. "The Health Ministry's Occupational Therapy Services (OTKKM), in collaboration with the Perak Occupational Therapy team, continues to play a vital role as healthcare professionals advocating for the growth and recognition of occupational therapy both nationally and internationally,' she said.- Bernama
Qatar Tribune
24-06-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
HMC launches Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency Programme
Tribune News Network Doha Hamad Medical Corporation's (HMC) Qatar Rehabilitation Institute (QRI) has announced the official launch of a four-year Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) Residency Programme, a milestone initiative that marks a major leap forward in advancing Qatar's academic medicine and rehabilitation workforce development. The programme will commence in the upcoming academic year and is developed in alignment with international standards. This programme positions QRI as a regional leader in training future physiatrists with unparalleled access to cutting-edge technologies, interdisciplinary care, and structured academic mentorship. Dr Hanadi Al Hamad, deputy chief of Rehabilitation, Long-Term Care, and Geriatrics, and CEO and medical director of Qatar Rehabilitation Institute, expressed her pride: 'This is a prestigious achievement for QRI and for Qatar. Establishing the PM&R Residency Programme reflects our firm commitment to capacity building, clinical excellence, and innovation in rehabilitation. It is a key milestone in our strategy development as well as Qatar's National Health Strategy 2024-2030. Enhanced by the WHO's Rehabilitation 2030 initiative, we are not only shaping careers, we are shaping the future of rehabilitation in Qatar.' Dr Abdulla Rashid Al Naimi, deputy chief medical officer, Medical Education at HMC, emphasised the broader strategic value: 'The launch of this residency programme exemplifies how HMC is driving Qatar's transformation into a knowledge-based, healthcare-leading nation. It supports our vision of building a sustainable, highly skilled medical workforce and is a platform for empowerment, excellence, and future leadership.' The PM&R Residency Programme is the first of its kind in Qatar, offering a structured, accredited curriculum that empowers residents to grow into independent, research-driven, and globally competent specialists. Residents will gain hands-on experience in advanced rehabilitation services, including neuromodulation, GAIT analysis, virtual reality therapy, and spasticity management, all within a world-class, multidisciplinary clinical environment. Dr Fatma Jassim Al-Kuwari, acting chairperson of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and the driving force behind the establishment of the programme, commented: 'This programme is a turning point for Qatari medical graduates. It creates a direct and prestigious pathway to specialise in physical medicine and rehabilitation within our own health system. By investing in our future physicians, we are building a self-sufficient and resilient rehabilitation ecosystem that supports national priorities and inspires our youth to pursue excellence in this vital specialty.' This milestone also reflects Qatar's commitment to fostering innovation, research, and clinical leadership within rehabilitation medicine. By investing in advanced medical education, HMC and QRI are paving the way for long-term improvements in patient care, service delivery, and professional development across the continuum of care.
