Uganda can now treat skeletal disorders

By Patrick Jaramogi

UGANDANS with musculoskeletal disorders will no longer need to travel to abroad following the opening of a modern physiotherapy service center in Kampala.

“Patients suffering from arthritis, chest physiotherapy, neurological conditions as a result of stroke, paralysis, back, neck- and knee pain can now get treatment from the country,” said Louise Bugaari Kalenge one of the directors.

Louise said Physique physiotherapy service center located Bugolobi was initiated following the lack of modern physiotherapy services in the country. “We carried out a market research and survey and discovered that most so called reflexology centers were only after making money and fleecing unsuspecting members of the public,” she said.

Physiotherapy is a health care profession that deals with the human function and movement. It is non-invasive and drug free application conducted on muscles, bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, cartilage and spinal vertebra.

Government recently through the Ministry of Health banned the reflexology centers across the country that was offering massage as physiotherapy treatment.

“Ours is not a massage parlor. Those who think we shall be offering massage can try elsewhere,” said Bugaari.

Julianne Rwakakooko Mweheire the co- director said the center will treat babies who are unable to sit. She said the center has recruited experts in the field of physiotherapy from Netherlands, Kenya and South Africa.

“We have partnered with insurance companies to take care of their clients with ailments that we can treat,” she said.

Patrick Kibirango Mpiima, the registrar Uganda Allied Professional Medical Council, said Physiue service center was given a license after they met the required set standards of a modern physiotherapy facility center.

“We only gave them ago ahead after they met the set standards. Our investors who have not be having faith in our health services need not travel abroad since the machines these people have similar to those in London, New York or South Africa,” said Mpiima during the inauguration ceremony on Wednesday.

He said government would ensure that people who go to physiotherapy service centers get value for their money.

He said Physique has been licensed to offer treatment, and provide and fit orthopedic appliances associated with management of patient’s conditions.

“These include neck, back, knee, and ankle supports, corsets, wheel chairs, walking frames, elbow crutches, arm slings, auxiliary crutches and ergonomic hand exercises,” said Mpiima.