3rd International Rehabilitation Conference by Metropolitan College: Access to rehabilitation as a core health service

Over 300 attendees, 70 sessions, 39 talks, 8 round tables, 6 workshops and 17 poster presentations, 139 speakers and 18 NGOs.

The 3rd International Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation Conference, hosted by Metropolitan College, under the organization of the Faculty of Health Sciences, underscored the critical role of rehabilitation services in enhancing the quality of healthcare systems, as well as, the necessity of integrating rehabilitation across all levels of healthcare provision.

Under the theme “The Critical Role of the Rehabilitation Workforce in Primary Care and Health System Enhancement,” the Conference gathered over 300 participants, including leading scientists and professionals in Health Sciences and Rehabilitation from around the world. Key global and national data were presented, highlighting the rising rehabilitation needs that emerge from modern healthcare challenges, such as population aging and the management of chronic and non-communicable diseases.

As Dr. Panagiotis Siaperas, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at Metropolitan College and Coordinator of the Institute of Occupational Therapy & Rehabilitation, pointed out, “The extent of the population that requires rehabilitation is so significant that it mandates full integration of rehabilitation within the health system and its alignment with broader health policy. This sector encompasses a range of healthcare professionals—such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, podiatrists, psychologists, as well as sports and physical education specialists.”

Emphasizing that one in three people across Europe and Central Asia could benefit from rehabilitation, Dr. Cathal Morgan, representative of the World Health Organization (WHO Regional Office for Europe), highlighted the crucial role of rehabilitation professionals in primary care and health system enhancement. As he noted, “at least 394 million people—two in every five people globally—experience health issues requiring rehabilitation during their lifetime.” Dr. Morgan reiterated WHO’s stance on the necessity of scaling up access to rehabilitation as a core health service, emphasizing that such an approach aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Representatives from 10 international and Greek universities, as well as affiliated NGOs and clinical settings, shared key insights into the state of rehabilitation in Greece and globally, spotlighting current challenges and best practices to bolster rehabilitation services.

“The need for rehabilitation services in Greece affects 10% of the population, and all are entitled to high-quality services,” stated Ms. Vasiliki Kaskanakou, Vice President of the Anaplasi Rehabilitation and Recovery Center. Mr. Nikola Papazisis, CEO of Thiseas Rehabilitation and Recovery Center, emphasized the importance of quality rehabilitation services, noting that “60,000 people each year in Greece suffer a stroke, with a significant percentage requiring high-quality rehabilitation.” Ms. Maria Gioti, Operations Manager at the Philoktitis Blocks Rehab Center, highlighted that “many of the 10,000 road accidents annually in Greece require admission to specialized rehabilitation centers.”

A key component of the conference was the presentation of the work by the Metropolitan College’s Centre of Interdisciplinary Education and Research in Rehabilitation (CIDERR). This initiative serves as a tangible testament to the institution’s commitment to advancing the educational experience in rehabilitation. In just one year of operation, CIDERR has trained 270 students across 5 different specialties and has hosted over 2,500 educational visits from community members and organizations. These achievements underscore the Centre’s social impact and its vital role in enhancing both student learning and the local community’s engagement.

Held under the auspices of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum, the Conference included remarks by Deputy Minister of Migration and Asylum, Ms. Sofia Voultepsi, who commended Metropolitan College’s initiative, underscoring that “this issue concerns the daily lives of people, their right to accessible healthcare, to rehabilitation, and to a life of dignity. This is a shared struggle, and the presence of such significant scientific figures contributing to this collective effort is an exceptional and praiseworthy achievement.”

In its role as the leading educational institution in Greece, Metropolitan College actively supports research advancement in Health and Rehabilitation, strengthening the connection between theoretical education and practical application—fostering innovative approaches that contribute to the sector’s development and support the healthcare system.