The occupational therapist in Papua New Guinea

The Occupational Therapist (O.T.) is an indispensible member of all health teams in major general hospitals, rehabilitation centres, sheltered workshops, psychiatric clinics and special centres for children and elderly people, as well as contributing to many community health projects. The O.T. provides rehabilitation programmes for patients with spinal injuries, degenerative neurological disease, head injuries, blindness, amputations, and leprosy as well as many other disabling conditions. In addition occupational therapy is important in paediatric practice. Supervision of the sheltered workshop is a further responsibility of the O.T. It is recommended that the position for an O.T. in Port Moresby General Hospital be maintained, and that Papua New Guineans be trained overseas to meet future needs within the country.