Gauteng public healthcare facilities recorded 346,105 occupational therapy patient contact sessions between April and September 2026, with thousands of patients receiving rehabilitation, mental health support and mobility assistance, according to the Gauteng Department of Health.
The department said the interventions were aimed at helping patients recover from illness and injury, regain independence and improve their quality of life.
The figures were released on Tuesday as the department marked World Occupational Therapy Day under the 2026 theme, “Participation Matters”.
More than 15,000 mental healthcare users receive support
The department said 5,372 children were screened for developmental delays during the six-month period, allowing for early identification and access to intervention services.
A further 15,552 mental healthcare users received support, while 9,942 patients underwent hand and upper-limb rehabilitation.
The department also conducted 214 functional capacity and work-related assessments to help patients return to work and resume their daily activities.
“The demand for occupational therapy services was further reflected in the provision of mobility support across the province,” the department said.
Occupational therapy teams issued 2,621 wheelchairs and specialised seating devices, while 745 wheelchair users received seating, positioning and mobility assessments.
These assessments are intended to improve comfort, safety and participation in everyday activities.
Gauteng records more than 726,000 sessions in a year
The latest figures follow the 2025/26 financial year, during which occupational therapists across the province delivered 726,050 patient contact sessions.
According to the department, 7,890 children were screened for developmental delays during the financial year, while 8,631 mental healthcare users received interventions.
Occupational therapy teams also delivered 29,068 hand and upper-limb rehabilitation interventions and issued 5,529 wheelchairs and specialised seating devices.
The department said the achievements demonstrated the importance of occupational therapy services in supporting patients across the province.
“Together, these interventions highlight the important role occupational therapists play in preventing avoidable disability, promoting recovery, supporting independent living and enabling people to participate fully in their homes, schools, workplaces and communities,” the department said.
Department highlights importance of participation
World Occupational Therapy Day is observed annually to raise awareness of the profession and its contribution to health, rehabilitation and independent living.
The department said this year’s theme, “Participation Matters”, recognised that taking part in everyday activities was central to health, well-being and dignity.
“The theme recognises that participation in everyday activities is central to health, well-being and dignity, while highlighting the role occupational therapy plays in helping people overcome barriers that may limit their full participation in society,” the department said.
Occupational therapy services are available across Gauteng’s public healthcare system, including primary healthcare facilities, district, regional, tertiary and central hospitals, specialised hospitals, rehabilitation centres, mental healthcare services and community-based programmes.
The services support children with developmental delays and disabilities, people living with mental health conditions, patients recovering from illness or injury, persons with disabilities and older people who require assistance to maintain their independence.
As part of the awareness campaign, occupational therapists across Gauteng conducted public education campaigns, developmental screenings, disability awareness programmes, caregiver support initiatives and mental health awareness activities.
The initiatives also included community outreach projects, wheelchair sports events and stakeholder engagements.
The department said it remained committed to strengthening rehabilitation services, improving access to occupational therapy, promoting early intervention and expanding access to assistive devices.
It said the aim was to ensure more residents could live independent, productive and fulfilling lives.
