Join the 2nd International Rehabilitation Conference Hosted by IRCS: Innovations and Insights Await!
The Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) is set to make significant strides in rehabilitation services with its upcoming second international rehabilitation conference, held in collaboration with the University of Münster, Germany. This virtual event, scheduled for Wednesday, will focus on enhancing the effectiveness of rehabilitation services and improving treatment outcomes for patients with special needs.
According to Peyman Pishgahi, an official with the IRCS, the conference will bring together experts from various medical science universities, including the head of the Epilepsy Research Center at the University of Münster, Professor Ali Gorji. Gorji serves as a member of the Rehabilitation Advisory Committee of the IRCS.
The second conference aims to build on the findings from the first conference, addressing challenges and complex treatment requirements in the field of rehabilitation. This collaborative effort is expected to lead to innovative solutions and improvements in service delivery.
Establishing a Secretariat for Rehabilitation Services
On February 16, the IRCS and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) agreed to establish a joint secretariat focused on rehabilitation services in Tehran. Pirhossein Kolivand, the head of the IRCS, emphasized that rehabilitation is a crucial component of universal health coverage.
- “Due to war and other accidents, rehabilitation services are greatly needed in the country,” Kolivand noted.
- The IRCS has initiated the provision of rehabilitation services and the manufacturing of prosthetics and orthotics.
- Currently, there are 200 rehabilitation centers operating throughout Iran.
The conference will specifically address the activities of these rehabilitation centers. Kolivand stressed that the meeting should focus on modern initiatives, strategies, policy-making, and macro planning in the rehabilitation sector. He also highlighted the importance of raising public awareness about rehabilitation services.
“Utilizing artificial intelligence and new technologies in rehabilitation, fostering synergy among national societies, developing new products, and promoting global solidarity to provide rehabilitation services should be prioritized,” Kolivand added.
International Collaborations and Future Goals
Kolivand expressed optimism about expanding international collaborations. He stated, “It is essential to establish a secretariat to follow up on the issues. We will do our best to help those who need rehabilitation services.”
François Friedel, the head of the ICRC physical rehabilitation division, also underscored the significance of the social and psychological aspects of rehabilitation. He remarked, “The establishment of the secretariat in Tehran can help address the problems and enhance cooperation among societies. The issue of rehabilitation is important for the ICRC, and we are ready to collaborate with the Iranian Red Crescent Society in this field.”
In January, Vincent Cassard, the ICRC representative in Iran, met with Razieh Alishvandi, the IRCS director of international affairs, to discuss the need for expanding cooperation in humanitarian sectors, particularly in rehabilitation and mental health.
- “The cooperation in rehabilitation and mental health fields has progressed well so far,” Cassard stated.
- He believes that this cooperation provides effective platforms for enhanced collaboration between the two organizations.
During the meeting, Cassard also emphasized the importance of family reunification, which is one of their key priorities and can significantly alleviate the pain of families affected by crises.
He praised the IRCS’s efforts in providing relief services to war-affected individuals, particularly in regions like Gaza, Lebanon, and among Syrian refugees. Cassard expressed readiness to increase cooperation with the IRCS to ensure humanitarian protection for Syrian refugees.
Commitment to Humanitarian Efforts
Alishvandi reiterated the IRCS’s commitment to enhancing its efforts in various humanitarian fields, including rehabilitation, to improve living conditions for affected populations. She mentioned, “The IRCS is providing rehabilitation services both nationally and globally, in collaboration with the ICRC, particularly in eastern provinces that host many immigrants.”
She also highlighted the challenges faced by Syrian and Lebanese refugees, requesting the ICRC’s support in assisting war victims in the region. “Along with our international colleagues, we have always done our best to fulfill our humanitarian duties by assisting those in need, regardless of geographical borders,” Alishvandi concluded.
This upcoming conference and the establishment of the secretariat signify a monumental step forward in the IRCS’s mission to enhance rehabilitation services and provide much-needed support to vulnerable populations.