BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

THE Ministry of Health yesterday celebrated World Physiotherapy Day in an effort to promote the role of physiotherapists and the significance of physical activity to stay healthy.

World Physiotherapy Day is celebrated every September 8, representing an opportunity for physical therapists from all over the world to raise awareness about the crucial contribution the profession makes to keeping people well, mobile and independent.

The event was held at Freshco’s Putra Banquet Hall in Batu Satu,

Themed “Fit to Take Part”, this year’s celebration emphasises the role of physiotherapy in helping individuals with disabilities and especially those with chronic diseases to be healthy and fit enough to participate in the community

Present to join in the celebrations yesterday was the Minister of Health Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Adanan Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Mohd Yusof, and his spouse Datin Paduka Hajah Salmah Hj Abu Hanafiah.

Also on hand were Permanent Secretary of Health Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Professional and Technical) of Health Dr Hajah Rahmah Hj Md Said, and other staff members of the ministry.

Speaking at the start of the event, Senior Physiotherapist cum event chairperson Norhartina Haji Sharbini explained that the physiotherapist’s role is to adapt to, teach and guide individuals from all walks of life — regardless of age, gender, level of ability and fitness.

“Physiotherapists help fulfill people’s potential by maximising their mobility and ability to function, be active and independent in family and community life, and also in education and employment,” she said.

Norhartina also shared that physiotherapy services have existed in Brunei since the 1950s.

“Since then, physiotherapy services have been improving, not only in terms of resources, infrastructure and technology equipment, but (we) have also achieved performance and success in terms of services in hospitals, medical centres and health centres, as well as other stakeholders — both in the government and private sectors.

“(This has been done) through placing emphasis upon components of the health care system which focus on the aspects of promotion, prevention, treatment and recovery,” she said.

As part of the event, exhibition booths showcasing the various aspects of the physiotherapy field were set up for members of the public, which included an open physiotherapy clinic and taping services.

Among the objectives of the event were to promote physiotherapists as the go-to expert consultants for problems concerning movement of the body, physical activity and exercise. It also aims to recognise the role of physiotherapists in ensuring the health and well-being of patients in Brunei, and to promote the significance of physical activity in staying healthy.

In Brunei, physiotherapy is offered at physiotherapy departments of all the district hospitals, the Rehabilitation Department at Gleneagles Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC), the Rehabilitation Unit at Pusat Ehsan, the Ministry of Defence (MinDef) Performance Optimisation Centre, and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.

The Brunei Times