Spotlight on Intelligent Health Care Australia – A Journey of Resilience and Purpose 🌟
From Egypt to Australia – a new beginning
When Mina Wahib migrated to Australia in 2011, he was just 23 years old. Arriving alone, with minimal funds, he faced the challenge of starting over in a country where his family’s wealth, property, and even his qualification as a physiotherapist were not recognised.
Determined to succeed, Mina worked a variety of jobs and after a long journey with the Australian Physiotherapy Council exams , Mina finally achieve his dream in 2019 - becoming a qualified physiotherapist in Australia. That same year, he founded Intelligent Health Care Australia (IHCA), creating a business dedicated to delivering high-quality, accessible health care.
Building Intelligent Health Care Australia
Today, IHCA provides a broad range of allied health services including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, dietetics, podiatry, and speech pathology. The business also supplies innovative health products - from exercise equipment and falls-prevention sensors to advanced pressure care cushions - through ihcaequipment.com.au.
IHCA is a registered NDIS provider, offering allied health, support care, and home modifications. The team also delivers services through the Commonwealth Home Support Program across the Mid North Coast, ACT, and Central West NSW.
Mina says a strong focus is supporting residential aged care facilities in regional Australia, ensuring client-centred care that also meets compliance standards.
Partnering with Quirindi Care Services
Since September 2023, IHCA has been providing Eloura Residential Aged Care with podiatry, occupational therapy assessments, speech pathology, and dietitian services.
Importantly, IHCA stepped in to provide dietitian support until a trusted local provider was secured - ensuring residents at Eloura never faced a gap in care.
“What makes this partnership unique is my personal connection to the Tamworth region - it’s where I purchased my first home in Australia. At IHCA, we are passionate about delivering services where they are most needed, especially in regional areas experiencing shortages.”
Opportunities and Challenges in Allied Health for Aged Care
Mina acknowledges that delivering allied health in residential aged care is both rewarding and complex.
Opportunities
The Royal Commission into Aged Care highlighted the vital role of allied health in quality care.
Reforms now emphasise integrated, person-centred models, creating new opportunities for physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, and speech pathologists to be embedded in care.
New funding models such as AN-ACC provide incentives for proactive allied health involvement, moving beyond compliance toward holistic care.
Challenges
Underfunding and Inconsistent Access – Many facilities still operate with limited funding, often prioritising nursing over allied health despite AN-ACC flexibility.
Workforce Shortages – Recruiting and retaining allied health professionals in rural and remote areas is a persistent challenge, with high turnover and burnout.
Lack of Integration – Allied health is too often seen as an “add-on” rather than part of the core care team, limiting collaboration and impact.
Inconsistent Standards – With no mandated minimum service levels, quality and frequency of allied health provision varies widely, making outcome measurement difficult.
Supporting the new Aged Care Quality Standards
Mina explains that allied health services align with every aspect of the new standards - from promoting independence and dignity, to supporting clinical care, nutrition, safety, staff training, and community participation.
“In a nutshell, person-centred care is the answer - this is what we practice across NDIS, CHSP, and residential aged care services. Allied health professionals are key drivers in this shift toward proactive, holistic care that allows older Australians to live with purpose, dignity, and connection.”
A Personal Passion for Helping Others
For Mina, this work is deeply personal.
“I have always loved helping vulnerable people - much of my life has included charity work both overseas and in Australia. Aged care and the NDIS give me the opportunity to continue doing what I love - helping others in need.”
Mina’s journey is a powerful example of resilience, passion, and commitment to improving health outcomes for older Australians - particularly in regional and rural communities.
