Physiotherapists in Slovenia have marked a milestone in 2024, celebrating the 70th anniversary of Strokovno združenje fizioterapevtov Slovenije/Slovenian Association of Physiotherapists, at their national congress.
The congress, 7-9 November 2024, was a defining moment for the profession in Slovenia, featuring participation from national and international figures, including Slovenia’s president Nataša Pirc Musar. World Physiotherapy president Michel Landry and World Physiotherapy Europe region chair Esther-Mary D’Arcy also attended the congress.
Tine Kovačič, Strokovno združenje fizioterapevtov Slovenije/Slovenian Association of Physiotherapists president, said the congress represented more than an anniversary celebration; it was a turning point for the profession.
He said: "Having the president of Slovenia open the congress was a groundbreaking moment for our community. Her presence signalled high-level government support for physiotherapy, reinforcing its importance in public health and its need for structured regulation."
The congress brought together experts from across the globe and marked the first time a physiotherapist received one of Slovenia’s highest national honours. Marija Kandus, a pioneering figure in the profession and Strokovno združenje fizioterapevtov Slovenije/Slovenian Association of Physiotherapists’s first president, was recognised for her contributions to physiotherapy in Slovenia.
Tine said: “This recognition holds significant weight, both nationally and internationally. It celebrates both Mrs Kandus’s legacy and the progress of physiotherapy in Slovenia.
"This award is not just a personal achievement for Mrs. Kandus. It sends a powerful message to the healthcare and government sectors, further validating our call for professional licensing and regulation of physiotherapy in Slovenia."
He said Marija Kandus was instrumental in bringing Strokovno združenje fizioterapevtov Slovenije/Slovenian Association of Physiotherapists into World Physiotherapy in 1995, which allowed for greater international collaboration and the advancement of global standards.
The congress also underscored Strokovno združenje fizioterapevtov Slovenije/Slovenian Association of Physiotherapists’s ongoing advocacy for the licensure of physiotherapists in Slovenia. With the support of lobbyists Mihael Cigler and Martin Roblek and additional assistance from attorney Simona Marko, Strokovno združenje fizioterapevtov Slovenije/Slovenian Association of Physiotherapists is pushing for professional licensing.
Tine said: “This move will ensure quality and safety in patient care. We are ready, with the support of World Physiotherapy, to collaborate further and build on this momentum to achieve licensing.”
Reflecting on the success of the congress, Tine expressed gratitude for the support of World Physiotherapy and emphasised that the recognition and momentum from this event would be pivotal in securing the future of physiotherapy in Slovenia.
"Together, we can leverage these achievements to propel us toward the licensing framework that will safeguard patient care and professional standards."
