Health System Strengthening Rehabilitation Framework in Developing and Emerging Economies

Abstract

Rehabilitation services have proven efficacy in patient management as evident in improvement of physical and cognitive functions; reduction in functional difficulties; improved quality of life and resultant participation and inclusion in society. The increasing number of people living with disabilities makes the need for rehabilitation care very important. However, there are gaps between the need for rehabilitation services, accessibility to the service, and utilization of such services. There are unmet needs for rehabilitation worldwide, especially in low and middle-income countries. This makes strengthening rehabilitation institutions very important particularly in developing economies where such institutions face huge challenges. Issues of collaborative framework; personnel support framework; expansion framework; and financial support framework were strategically discussed. This paper addressed critical issues surrounding the rehabilitation framework and proffers solutions to the visible barriers facing the accessibility to rehabilitation services. This is hoped to be a panacea for strengthening this institution for better performance and impact with the overall aim of reducing the incidence of disabilities and enhancing economies.