October, 1953-

EDITORIAL

P H Y S I O T H E R A P Y Page One

T THIS stage in the history o f Physiotherapy in South 
A  Africa it is alarm ing to those o f us who have com- 
, . h cpveral years intensive training, may be here, may

O  v e r s e a s  to find th at it is possible to  become a  “ Physio- 
h r a D i s t ”  in the course o f a few weeks. W hat is more, to 

►Table to earn a  living o f which any o f us w ould be justly 
ud particularly those o f us who are struggling against 

the difficulties o f insufficient rem uneration in recognised
e m p lo y m e n t.

We must realise, however, th at this does open up a 
field o f employment to a  group o f  persons who would 

t otherwise be able to  afford the costly training given 
fat° the two established schools in this country. I t also 
offers training to male students w ithout th e necessity 
of visiting overseas centres. B ut we m ust all appreciate 
the possibilities and extent o f such a  course.

Surely this is the time when all registered and regis­
trable Physiotherapists should rise up in one body to 
protect their profession an d  the public. I t is only by means 
of publicising w hat this profession o f ours actually is,

the wideness o f its scope, and the scientific principals on 
which o u r treatm ents are based th at the public will realise 
th a t Physiotherapy is a n  a rt learnt by years o f experience 
an d  practice.

In  due course when the H ealth Services Bill comes 
into force, these persons who have received this shortened 
course will find it increasingly difficult to  earn a  living. 
M eanwhile it is our duty to see that this scheme is not 
allowed to develop under the present circumstances. It 
is possible for women students in reduced circumstances 
to  obtain bursaries during Training. W hat we m ust con­
sider seriously is the provision o f a training centre for male 
personel in South Africa.

Each one o f us m ust now m ake ourselves felt, and 
give all the publicity th a t is possible to  this profession o f 
ours. I t is no t until th e ill effects o f any m atter become 
personal th a t any o f us raise any enthusiasm  to  im prove 
the conditions o f o u r livelihood, and even then we tend to 
hope that som eone else will m ake the effort.

In Utmnrium 
DR. K A R L  B R E M E R

D R . K A R L  B R E M E R , U n ion  Minister o f  Health and Social Welfare, has left 
us much too soon, with much o f  the work which was so near his heart, and for 
which he has laid the foundations, still to be com pleted.

Parliament, August Public Bodies, the Professions, and innumerable organi­
sations have paid tribute to Dr. Bremer the man, and to his achievements, and we 
subscribe to every word that has been said in his praise.

Our own loss is great. A s the organisation o f  State-recognized Physio­
therapists, we have lost in Dr. Bremer a genuine friend o f  our cause, a wise 
counsellor in our problems, and a man o f  great understanding o f  the vast possi­
bilities o f  Physiotherapy, and its place in the field o f  Rehabilitation.

W e had his never failing support in our aim to maintain the highest standards 
o f  training and efficiency.

The first N ational Conference on Handicapped Persons, in which we were 
privileged to take such an active part, was held under his aegis, and m uch progress 
may be expected from its deliberations

H is Supplementary H ealth Services Bill, in trying to give protection to every 
deserving case, showed an innate sense o f  justice which will for ever stand to his 
credit.

W e mourn the passing o f  a truly great South African.

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