Namibia faces a 71% physiotherapists’ shortage

By: Selma Taapopi

The Namibian Society of Physiotherapy says the country faces a critical shortage of physiotherapists with only 29% of government posts currently filled.

The chairperson, Christiane von der Heiden, said the shortage also affects other rehabilitation services, such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, and audiology.

Speaking at the World Physiotherapy Day held on 8th September each year, von der Heiden highlighted that around 900 physiotherapists are currently registered with the Health Professions Council of Namibia.

“There is definitely a need for more physiotherapists, particularly in the government. For example, currently only 29% of the posts in government are full physiotherapy…I believe there are probably about 900 registered with the HPCNA. Maybe I am overestimating because sometimes people register but they leave the country, or they do not work in the field anymore,” she said.

Von der Heiden added the public health sector has a shortage of staff, leaving hospital understaffed and rehabilitation services such as physiotherapy, occupation therapy, speech and audiology services limited especially in the regions. Namibia faces a 71% physiotherapists’ shortage

By: Selma Taapopi

The Namibian Society of Physiotherapy says the country faces a critical shortage of physiotherapists with only 29% of government posts currently filled.

The chairperson, Christiane von der Heiden, said the shortage also affects other rehabilitation services, such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, and audiology.

Speaking at the World Physiotherapy Day held on 8th September each year, von der Heiden highlighted that around 900 physiotherapists are currently registered with the Health Professions Council of Namibia.

“There is definitely a need for more physiotherapists, particularly in the government. For example, currently only 29% of the posts in government are full physiotherapy…I believe there are probably about 900 registered with the HPCNA. Maybe I am overestimating because sometimes people register but they leave the country, or they do not work in the field anymore,” she said.

Von der Heiden added the public health sector has a shortage of staff, leaving hospital and rehabilitation services such as physiotherapy, occupation therapy, speech and audiology with services limited especially in the regions.

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