More than 390 million people in EuropeAccording to a report released this Tuesday by the Health Center, nearly half of the population does not have access to the rehabilitation services they need. World Health Organization (WHO).
This, in the opinion of the body, is due. United Nationsfor rapid population aginga significant increase in the number of people living with chronic diseases, a “lack of awareness” of the benefits of rehabilitation, and a lack of professionals.
Specifically, the study warned that the majority of people who need these services do not receive them, which in turn makes the estimated total 49 million healthy life years lost due to a health condition requiring rehabilitation. It is also estimated that middle-income countries have 12 times fewer physiotherapists, 141 times fewer occupational therapists, and six times fewer prosthetics and orthotics than high-income countries.
Some The most common problems requiring rehabilitation low back pain, fractures, hearing and vision loss, as well as paralysis and dementia. “It is surprising that almost half of the region’s population needs some form of rehabilitation. Rehabilitation is a basic health service that must be provided to all who need it and at all levels of medical care. Unless action is taken, countries risk restriction. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, said: “It limits opportunities and economic productivity because many are unable to contribute fully to society.”
In this sense, WHO Rehabilitation must be available in Primary Health Care settingswhere most cases of chronic illness are managed and in popular community settings such as homes and schools.
“The integration of rehabilitation services into Primary Health Care is important because many people who can benefit from rehabilitation services may never enter the hospital system and may need long-term rehabilitation close to their homes and local communities,” said the director of National. Health Policies and Systems, WHO Regional Office for Europe, Natasha Azzopardi Muscat.
However, rehabilitation services continue to be provided in secondary and tertiary institutions located in urban areas in many European countries. underserved rural and remote areas. “In most health systems, rehabilitation is not fully or effectively integrated into Primary Care. This has to change,” he stressed.
And it has been shown that rehabilitation has the potential to prevent costly hospitalizationsIn addition to reducing the time spent in the hospital, it reduces readmissions and reduces the risk of complications due to health problems. Rehabilitation improves physical, mental and social functioning and the ability to participate in daily life, reducing ongoing care costs and helping people participate in education and employment.
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for all this WHO asks countries to recognize rehabilitation as a ‘essential’ health care for millions of people; integrate at all levels of care; Support and train health professionals to provide rehabilitation and rehabilitation services.
“Most of us will need rehabilitation at some point in our lives or know someone very close to it who needs it. Rehabilitation can have a transformative effect on the lives of individuals and their loved ones, reducing pain, increasing independence, promoting mental health – Kluge, empowering people and participating in work or education. and therefore helping people and communities thrive”, he decided.
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