23/04/2026
Why are the OIA Global Reports and medical regulatory authorities important to the osteopathic profession?
The Osteopathic International Alliance Global Report is a key strategic resource, providing robust, evidence-based data to support the recognition and integration of osteopathy within healthcare systems worldwide.
Developed in collaboration with the World Health Organization, the 2025 report highlights the profession’s significant growth since 2020, with osteopathy now present in 46 countries and an 84% increase in practitioners delivering care to an estimated 37.7 million patients annually. It also presents moderate to strong evidence for effectiveness in areas such as musculoskeletal conditions, pediatric care, and women’s health.
Updated every five years, the report establishes essential benchmark data that supports regulatory development, educational standardization, and stronger engagement with governments, health authorities, and international organizations.
Medical regulatory authorities play a vital role in ensuring safe, high-quality healthcare by setting standards for professional practice, education, and ethics. Supporting this, the OIA represents the osteopathic profession within the International Association of Medical Regulatory Authorities, a global network that promotes collaboration among regulators.
IAMRA works to facilitate the mutual recognition of medical and health qualifications across countries. Through such frameworks, qualified osteopathic professionals can have their credentials more readily recognized, improving international mobility and enabling practice across borders.
Together, the OIA Global Reports and international regulatory collaboration strengthen the profession’s credibility, support its global development, and help ensure consistent standards of care worldwide.
https://oialliance.org/the-oia-global-report-global-review-of-osteopathic-medicine-and-osteopathy-2025/
