EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

The aim of this descriptive study research program undertaken, is to examine the professional circumstances and work practices of Rehabilitation professionals namely; physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech pathologists, employed in the Public Health Sector of the Republic of Namibia, concentration area of study being four (4) of the northern political/health regions i.e. Oshana, Ohangwena, Oshikoto and Omusati.

Method of research of choice is “Qualitative” mode, and strategies accompanying it are explorative & descriptive.

Geography and Population of the study area has not been left out. Findings, Conclusion and Recommendations are in place, Bibliography (References) concludes this mini research paper.

PROBLEM STATEMENT & PURPOSE OF THE STUDY:

Although much has been written and researched regarding Professional Circumstance and Work Practice of health staff in Namibia, mostly has been on Medical staff (doctors) and (Nurses), as far as I have information, nothing has come across me regarding Rehabilitation professionals [physiotherapists, occupational therapists or speech pathologists] practicing in the rural areas. For years Medical Rehabilitation services in rural areas of Namibia has been facing staff shortage, compounded with inadequate equipment and high rate of staff turnover. However, services have never seized to operate. The purpose of this study, is to inform any one with interest in rural health care about the professional circumstance & work practice these professionals operates, challenges and rewards, and provide a kind of recommendations for betterment of service provision.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY:

Qualitative method is method of choice as is based on; Induction, Subjectivity and is open ended thus passes well with exploration and descriptive nature of the questions set to gather data.

BRIEF NOTE ON GEOGRAPHY AND POPULATION OF STUDY AREA:

The four (4) regions i.e. Ohangwena, Oshana, Omusati and Oshikoto occupy the quarter of the entire area of Namibia. It is estimated 55% of the entire 2 Million population of the entire country live in within these regions. The area is semi-desert, majority of the population are engaged with subsistence agriculture. They speak the same language called ‘Oshiwambo’. The tribe is one, with different dialects of one and the same language.

A MAP: OF NAMIBIA SHOWING 4 OF THE REGIONS IN DISCUSSION