Physiotherapy services in patient care in Bhutan

Area of Science:

• Healthcare policy
• Rehabilitation medicine
• Public health

Background:

• Physiotherapy and rehabilitative services are vital but often neglected in developing nations.
• Bhutan, despite free healthcare, had limited physiotherapy access in 2021, with services in only 26/48 hospitals and 19/20 districts.
• A low density of 1.4 physiotherapy professionals per 10,000 population and high attrition rates exacerbate service gaps.

Discussion:

• Limited awareness among patients and healthcare providers hinders service utilization.
• The current infrastructure and human resource planning are insufficient to meet demand.
• Addressing these challenges requires strategic integration into national health policies.

Key Insights:

• Significant disparities exist in physiotherapy service availability across Bhutan.
• Human resource shortages and attrition are critical barriers to effective rehabilitation.
• Lack of awareness impedes patient access and uptake of essential physiotherapy.

Outlook:

• Bhutan must prioritize physiotherapy and rehabilitation within its health framework.
• Strategic planning for human resources and infrastructure is essential for future service delivery.
• Policy integration is key to ensuring equitable access to physiotherapy for all citizens.