RDC holds training for medical attendants

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.