FERM 2024 | Message from the President of the College of Physiotherapists from Suceava and Botoșani, Cezar STRUGARIU

“Health” Panel

Module VII – “The Role of the Physiotherapist in the Context of New Legislative Changes”, 18th Edition of the Moldova Regional Economic Forum, Vatra Dornei, 2024

SPEAKER – Cezar STRUGARIU – President of the College of Physiotherapists from Suceava and Botoșani

TOPIC: “The Status of the Physiotherapist in Romania”

During the “Health Panel”, Module “The Role of the Physiotherapist in the Context of New Legislative Changes”, Professor PhD candidate Cezar Vasile Strugariu, President of the College of Physiotherapists from Suceava and Botoșani, highlighted the importance of the physiotherapy profession within the Romanian healthcare system. His intervention was titled: “The Status of the Physiotherapist in Romania”.

Legal Framework and Role in Healthcare

“The profession of physiotherapist is practiced in Romania under the conditions of Law 229/2016“, stated Cezar Strugariu, emphasizing the importance of legislation in defining and regulating the profession. Physiotherapists are responsible for assessing, planning, and implementing rehabilitation programs that improve or restore human motor functions, enhance mobility, alleviate pain, and treat or prevent physical issues associated with various conditions.

Specific Services and Activities

“The physiotherapist provides services complementary to medical acts, aimed at developing, maintaining, and restoring the movement capacity and functional abilities of individuals to the highest possible level“, explained the professor. This involves an active role throughout the lifespan of patients, whether movement problems are caused by aging, injuries, or other conditions.

“In accordance with this law, the physiotherapist is a graduate of higher education, holding an official qualification in physiotherapy“, emphasized the President of the College of Physiotherapists from Suceava and Botoșani. This ensures a high standard of education and competence in the field, which is essential for the correct application of specific activities under medical prescription.

Cezar Strugariu detailed the specific activities carried out by physiotherapists under the prescription of a specialist doctor:

• Somatofunctional examination: Utilizing observation and specific techniques to assess the patient’s condition.
• Development of the physiotherapeutic plan: Establishing the need for intervention and creating a detailed treatment plan.
• Therapeutic and prophylactic assistance: Preventing functional deterioration and limiting activity restrictions.
• Rehabilitation assistance: Treating various pathologies of the neuromusculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory systems, and others.
• Application of physiotherapeutic activities: Therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, and other specific techniques.

Fields of Activity and Collaboration

Physiotherapists can work in both the public and private sectors, providing quality services as owners or associates of independent practices. “The physiotherapist operates based on professional competencies, in collaboration with healthcare service providers, social assistance services, and treatment centers in the balneotherapy system“, he stated, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration.

Cezar Vasile Strugariu’s speech at the Regional Economic Forum Moldova 2024 emphasized the essential role of physiotherapists in improving the health and quality of life of patients in Romania. With solid training and diversified competencies, physiotherapists contribute significantly to the recovery and maintenance of motor functionality, thus reinforcing the importance of this profession in the healthcare system.