Physical Therapists vs. Paramedics?

National Assembly recently passed a bill, according to which a single council is to be formed for both: Allied Health Professionals and Paramedics, to overlook matters. However, the bill was not successful amongst physiotherapists that stated, “It is not acceptable to us as we are different from paramedics in terms of education and medical practice,” Dr Asif Ali, president of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Physical Therapists Association (KPPTA).

The Head of the task force, Prof Nausherwan Barki, for the proposed council cleared the misunderstanding. The grudge of the Physiotherapists that the government refuses to see them as doctors, so as to not form a separate council for them, was tried to be resolved with the statement “This has all been considered in allied health council. What various disciplines do not seem to understand is that a council is basically a licensing body, for each branch of which the relevant discipline will have full representation and control”, said Prof Nausherwan Barki.

Matters still go unresolved as the member of the KP Therapist Association insists on a separate council for Allied Science Professionals to ensure quality education and delivery of quality services.