KP to Expand Physiotherapy Services, Create Jobs for Young Professionals: Minister
PESHAWAR, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 10th Sep, 2026) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Minister Khaliqur Rehman on Thursday said the provincial government is taking practical steps to strengthen allied health services, create professional development opportunities for young health professionals, and bring quality healthcare facilities closer to the people.
Addressing a ceremony organized by the All Pakistan Physiotherapy Association as chief guest, he stated that KP enjoys the privilege of having a substantial young population, and the demand for skilled and trained physiotherapists will continue to grow in the future.
The minister noted that effective promotion of physiotherapy and rehabilitation services could help reduce unnecessary medication, adding that this sector had been overlooked in the past. He emphasized that the government is addressing the concerns of physiotherapists and working to provide them with a more prominent role within the public healthcare system.
Khaliqur Rehman highlighted several significant developments:
- House jobs for physical therapy graduates: This initiative will offer young physiotherapists practical training and professional experience.
- Approval of a service structure for physiotherapists: A step towards resolving their longstanding professional issues.
He assured that the government would prioritize addressing their legitimate demands. Furthermore, he mentioned plans to:
- Increase quota seats and paid internship opportunities for young physiotherapists.
- Enhance staffing at Basic Health Units (BHUs) and Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) hospitals.
- Implement regular physiotherapy services at selected BHUs, THQs, and District Headquarters (DHQ) hospitals based on patient numbers and local healthcare needs.
- Expand physiotherapy services and posts in phases at health facilities lacking rehabilitation services.
- Integrate physiotherapists more effectively into the public healthcare system for areas like rehabilitation, disability services, post-accident recovery, and chronic disease management.
- Introduce training and capacity-building programs to promote modern physiotherapy and rehabilitation practices.
His goal is to ensure that people can access basic physiotherapy and rehabilitation services closer to their homes, without having to travel to major cities. "Our reforms will not remain confined to approvals on paper; the next phase is implementation of these decisions, creating employment opportunities for young professionals," concluded Khaliqur Rehman.
