Duterte declares National Physiatry Day

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte has declared July 17 of every year as National Physiatry Day as part of government efforts to raise public awareness on the problems of persons with disability and encourage people to support efforts to uplift PWDs’ social and economic conditions.

Duterte signed Proclamation No. 1017 on Thursday.

“Given the growing number of patients with rehabilitation needs in the country, there is a need to strengthen support in providing accessible and affordable medication and rehabilitation to them by raising awareness and encouraging collaboration among relevant stakeholders,” the President said.

Duterte also directed the Department of Health to coordinate with non-government organizations and professional associations to promote the observance of National Physiatry Day.

The practice of physiatry is also known as physical medicine and rehabilitation.

In his declaration, Duterte noted that the World Health Organization said in 2018 that musculoskeletal conditions are the second largest contributor to disability in persons worldwide. This has caused reduced ability to participate in social roles, early retirement from work and decreased accumulated wealth.

The Palace also noted how stroke and low back pain are classified as leading causes of acquired disability in the Philippines and that the number of patients undergoing rehabilitation medicine assessment and management greatly increased in the last four decades. Majority of the cases were reported in the National Capital Region.