RDC holds training for medical attendants

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) is seeking to improve Asian physiotherapists in a four-day medical seminar organized by the Jakarta-based Regional Development Center (RDC) beginning on Monday.

"Physiotherapists and doctors play an important part in the development of athletics. This seminar is expected to give the participants information and knowledge, which they can apply in their respective countries," Ria Lumintaurso, RDC chairman, told reporters after the commencement of the seminar at the Century Hotel here.

"They need to upgrade their medical skills as well as exchange information on the issue," Ria said.

The IAAF Medical Seminar for Physiotherapists, which will run until Thursday, presents main lecturer Dr. John Ronsone of the United States and co-lecturer David A.W. Kaitech of Singapore.

Fourteen physiotherapists and medical doctors from 11 of the RDC's 19 members are taking part in the seminar.

The participating countries are India, Indonesia, Iran, Laos, Malaysia, the Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines and Singapore.

Indonesia is represented by Ermita Eliyas, Sri Nilawati, Gempol and Soetoto. The first three are physiotherapists at the Indonesian Amateur Athletics Association (PASI).

Warning of the high level of injuries that athletes can suffer, David Kaitech emphasized the importance of the seminar with a view to improving the management of athletes.

"The number of injuries remains very high. Apart from the severity of the injuries, recovery also depends on the level of skills of physiotherapists," Kaitech, who is vice-president of the Singaporean Masseurs' Association, told The Jakarta Post.

"We hope this seminar will equip them with reliable knowledge on how to manage athlete," he said.