On December 13, 2023 Tbilisi State Medical University, the Department of Physical Rehabilitation Policy and Strategic Management presented a student project “The role of physical rehabilitation on the public health system and policy”. The event was hosted by the Ken Walker Medical Rehabilitation University Clinic and attended by Professor Irakli Natroshvili, Rector-Elect of Tbilisi State Medical University (He will exercise the authority on February 13, 2024), Head of the Medical Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Department and Director of the Ken Walker Medical Rehabilitation University Clinic, Professor Lela Maskhulia Dean of the Faculty of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Assoc. Prof. Eka Ekaladze Director of American MD Program, Professor Archil Undilashvili Head of the Department of Physical Rehabilitation Policy and Strategic Management, Assoc. Prof. Irina Kapetivadze and invited lecturer Ketevan Bibilashvili.

The 4th semester students of the Faculty of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation talked about the importance of rehabilitation, impact of the field on the development of medicine, healthcare, sports, culture, economy, education and environment. The students also discussed the role of rehabilitation for individuals, family, society and the country. The students had conducted research about society awareness on rehabilitation as a profession. Moreover, the situation analysis had been carried out to evaluate environmental adaptations in the streets, buildings, and transport of Tbilisi. As a consequence, the students presented a report on the role of rehabilitation on the patients’ health, public health and the economy of the country based on the literature review and conducted research. The students also discussed the regulations implemented in the country recently and highlighted lack of public awareness, services and access as one of the problematic issues in the field.  

Professor Archil Undilashvili noted that it is highly important for students of the Faculty of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation to receive information about the role of rehabilitation in the healthcare system, policy and management principles timely. 

“Within the framework of the course we were given the opportunity to work on the project – impact of rehabilitation on politics. The development of rehabilitation makes an enormous impact on politics, economics and improvement of people’s lifestyle” said Tekla Kurtsikidze, TSMU the Faculty of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation student.

“Political and economic role of physical therapy goes beyond the healthcare system boundaries and presents a sustainable approach to the well-being of society. Nowadays we live in the era of increasing healthcare demands and economic challenges thus investing in physical therapy seems a strategic approach” said Marta Gabelashvili TSMU the Faculty of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation student.

The guests evaluated the project positively and highlighted the students’ analysis of rehabilitation policy and management, legislative and financial regulations as interesting and promising.