In a groundbreaking move towards holistic healthcare, physical activities could soon become a routine part of medical treatment, particularly for patients dealing with obesity, diabetes, or high blood pressure. This innovative approach, supported by the Ministry of Health, is proposed by sports and physical education experts, aiming to integrate regular physical activity into medical prescriptions.

Under this envisioned strategy, doctors would prescribe specific physical activities, such as exercise or running, to patients seeking rehabilitation or physiotherapy services. Minister Vlastimil Válek (TOP 09) envisions scenarios where, for example, individuals dealing with obesity or diabetes might be advised to spend a specified number of hours in a fitness center, focusing on particular types of exercises to address their health concerns.

The proposed initiative aims to integrate this approach into the healthcare system, allowing professionals like sports doctors or rehabilitation doctors to recommend and general practitioners to prescribe tailored physical activities. Minister Válek plans to include this concept in an amendment to the public health insurance law, expected to be submitted next year. The initiative could extend to children dealing with weight issues, offering a preventive and proactive approach to their well-being.

Ondřej Šebka, the head of the National Sports Agency, acknowledges that discussions around including sports activities in medical treatment are ongoing. However, a specific change in the law has not been prepared yet. The proposal aligns with the broader goal of introducing a bonus system that rewards individuals for taking care of their health and attending preventative check-ups. This bonus system could facilitate access to rehabilitation appointments, addressing the current scarcity of such services. The comprehensive approach aims to promote better physical activity habits and contribute to a healthier population in the long run.

Article by Prague Forum