- Ahmedabad to host 60th National Conference of Indian Association of Physiotherapists
- More than 2,000 delegates and speakers from across India and the world will take part in the conference on February 11 and 12.
- Around 400 scientific and research papers will also be presented at the conference, which will also have activities such as workshops on advances in physiotherapy practices, quizzes, debates, and other programmes
NE HEALTH BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, FEB 9
With the increase in lifestyle diseases, the role of physiotherapists is getting the much-needed attention the world over. And hence physiotherapy will be the backbone of Indian healthcare sector in this century, say experts here on Thursday.
They were speaking at the curtain-raiser of the 60th Diamond Jubilee National Conference of the Indian Association of Physiotherapists to be held in Ahmedabad on Saturday and Sunday, February 11 and 12. More than 2,000 delegates from all over the country and the world will be taking part in the two-day conference.
The theme of the conference is ‘Workout for Fit India’, which is inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Fit India initiative. Incidentally, the prime minister will also address the inaugural session of the conference via video link on February 11.
“We are delighted to organise the 60th Diamond Jubilee National Conference of the Indian Association of Physiotherapists in Ahmedabad. It is a big landmark in the Association’s journey and we look forward to welcoming delegates from India and other countries to the conference. It will be a unique opportunity to meet some of the biggest names in the world of physiotherapy,” said Dr Sanjiv Jha, President of the Indian Association of Physiotherapists.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will be the chief guest, while Minister of state for Home r Harsh Sanghavi and Cooperation Minister Jagdish Vishwakarma will be the guests of honour.
Well known physiotherapist from Mumbai Nanavati Hospital Dr Ali Irani claimed that out of 100 primary school children 12 to 15 of them are in dire need of physiotherapy to get many pain related problems diagnosed and cured at initial stage. Dwelling at on length on this, Dr Irani said, “The IAP has brought this crucial health issue with the Central Government and convinced it to appoint one physiotherapist each school to fix the problem. Sitting posture, carrying heavy back bags and lack of mobility afflict the children. The dialogue on this vital issue was held up owing to the pandemic and now we will pursue this vigorously. This will help the children to be very active and grow as healthy citizen.”
To a query on appointment of physiotherapists in primary health centres (PHCs), Dr Sanjiv Jha, said, “We have been pursuing this also with all stakeholders and hope to get it done soon.”
Dr Jha further added that 98 percent of arthritis or knee replacement surgery could be avoided if elders get the advice of physiotherapists at the initial stage.
Dr K M Annamalai of Apollo Hospital and the secretary of IAP said, “From birth to death human beings are suffering from 12 main ailments. Out of which 10 are related to lifestyle diseases directly and two indirectly. Here comes the physiotherapists to the rescue of mankind. Hence, physiotherapy will be the backbone of Indian healthcare sector in this century. If we avoid sitting for a longer duration and perform some kind of physical activity we can save us from fiscal discomfiture and .”
Dr Vikram Shah of Shalby Hospital said he is very happy to be associated with conference and physiotherapy plays crucial role in recovery of all kind of orthopedic conditions.
CEO of the World Confederation of Physiotherapy Jonathan Kruger also spoke on the best practices of physiotherapy.
Emma Stroke, President of the World Confederation of Physiotherapy, will be among the distinguished guests at the conference and will share their vision and mission for physiotherapy. This is the first time the international office bearers will be taking part in any physiotherapy conference in India.
International and national speakers will be sharing their insights and experiences at the conference. Around 400 scientific and research papers will also be presented at the conference, which will also have activities such as workshops on advances in physiotherapy practices, quizzes, debates, and other programmes.
. Dr. Theodoros Papasavas from Qatar, Dr. Elena Marques from Spain, Dr. Hady Etef, Dr. Arun Samuel and Dr. Carol Clarke from the UK, Dr. Anil Bhave and Dr. Smita Mehta from the US, Prof Jenny Mcgilney from Australia and Dr. Omar Abbas are among the international speakers at the conference.
Dr Annamalai and Dr Ruchi Varshney are central Commitee members to guide the event. A panel discussion on Cardio Pulmonary Rehabilitation between senior therapists is one of the highlights of the conference. There are also panel discussions on the topic of fitness. Dr. Nehal Shah is the conference’s organising chairperson and Dr. Dhara Sharma is the organising secretary. Dr. Neetaben Vyas and Dr. Yagna Shukla are the patrons of the conference. Dr Nehal bhai Shah is state treasurer for event.
