/ Programmes / Disability / Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy

The main objective of the physiotherapy section of RAD/SCA is help restore physical function in an individual and to prevent further impairment and disability. SCA currently has over 80 physiotherapy staff based in provincial and district hospitals and RAD CRDCs. Almost all physiotherapy patients under 18 years are children with disabilities such as polio, cerebral palsy, tuberculosis, club foot, muscular dystrophy and delayed development. The majority of adults receiving physiotherapy are non-disabled. About one third of all persons with disabilities receive physiotherapy during home visits, under Home Based Training. Follow up of HBT is done by community rehabilitation workers and the families. A continuous cycle of upgrading training has been instigated by the RAD technical unit for the last 2 years to improve the professional knowledge of the PTs, with the long term aim that they will be integrated into Ministry of Health’s national services as members of health staff. A national training course is also planned in Afghanistan in 2008 which will upgrade the current 2 year diploma to a 3 year diploma.

In 2006 20,320 persons with physical difficulties received physiotherapy and 25,954 persons with disabilities received physiotherapy.