24/09/2025
A New Dawn for Healthcare in Pakistan!✨
The long wait is over, and the moment we've all been working towards is finally here. I am thrilled to share that the Allied Health Professionals Council (AHPC) of Pakistan has officially released the landmark "Scope of Practice for Physical Therapy." This is a transformative decision that empowers our profession and, most importantly, elevates the standard of patient care across the nation.
Here’s what this means for you and our profession:
✅ Independent Practice Fully Recognized: We are now legally recognized as autonomous practitioners. This means we can independently assess, diagnose, formulate treatment plans, and open our own private clinics and rehabilitation centers without requiring direct supervision.
✅ First Contact Practitioners: Physical Therapists are officially designated as primary healthcare providers. You can now consult us directly for your pain, movement, and rehabilitation needs without needing a referral from another doctor first, making quality care more accessible and efficient.
✅ "Dr." Prefix for DPT Professionals: The title "Dr." for Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) qualified professionals has been formally endorsed by the AHPC and the Higher Education Commission (HEC), solidifying our academic and professional standing.
✅ Clear & Expanded Scope: The document clearly outlines what General PTs and specialized PTs (with post graduate qualifications) can do. This includes prescribing over the counter medications related to our treatment plans, recommending basic diagnostic tests (like X-rays), and using advanced techniques upon certified training.
This is more than just a policy, it's a commitment to better health for all Pakistanis. It ensures clarity, safety, and high quality standards in physical therapy care.
