Here I would like to share an issue with you.
More than 200 graduates graduated since the inception of PIPOS. Now the opening of new O&P educational schools in Karachi and Rawalpindi will saturate the society more in coming years. People are now much aware than before. O & P demands have been increased day by day. Ten years back, one cannot imagine the job opportunities like today. Educational standards are going higher day by day.
But all is not good somewhere. If we talk about the inland situation, then Jobs are more in the private sector than in the public/government sector. However, job opportunities have been increased but still limited to the private sector. Only two or three public sectors O&P Setups are working. Technicians almost occupy government jobs at lower scales, and there is no way to replace them. Any person, who knows what artificial limb or a splint is, can entitle him/her self as an Orthotist / Prosthetist. Traditional technicians opened setups all over the country, giving no space due to their low-cost services.
The brain drain of O&P professionals in recent years is increasing. Competitions for jobs has raised outside the country due to financial recession and limited job opportunities. Although our O&P Professionals are proving their skills and capabilities around the globe, no one can realize their struggle or problems until faced by him/herself. A university degree with a certificate of ISPO cat II is the only proof to stand among them who have been backed and standardized by their national regulatory councils and licencing authorities.
In Pakistan, there is no licencing authority for the Orthotists/Prosthetists. No rules and regulations implemented to standardized the Orthotics Prosthetics practice in the country. There are national councils for nearly every medical profession. Following is a brief list.
· Pakistan Medical & Dental Council
· Pakistan Engineering Council
· National Council for Homeopathy
· Pakistan Veterinary Medical Council
· National Council of Tibb
· Pakistan nursing council
· Pakistan Paramedical Council
National Association of Prosthetics Orthotics Pakistan is the oldest association of professionals, but not allowed to provide the licensing or regulating the orthotic, prosthetic practice in Pakistan. We need an ORTHOTIC PROSTHETIC COUNCIL of PAKISTAN. This council can give the license and control just like PMDC or other in Pakistan.
