New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called upon the physiotherapists to take up the task of educating people about right posture, habits, and exercises.
“It is important that people adopt the right approach regarding fitness. You can do this through articles and lectures. And my young friends can even do it through reels”, Modi said in a video message at the 60th National Conference of the Indian Association of Physiotherapists (IAP) in Ahmedabad.
Acknowledging the importance of physiotherapists as providers of solace, symbol of hope, resilience and recovery, the PM said, “A physiotherapist, not only treats physical injury but gives the patient courage to deal with the psychological challenge.”
He also lauded the professionalism of the physiotherapist profession and explained how the same spirit of providing support in the times of need pervades governance also.
The PM also touched upon the characteristics of the profession that ensure self-reliance in the patient and said that India is also moving towards ‘Aatmnirbharta’.
Drawing on his personal experience of physiotherapy, Modi said , “It is my experience that when the expertise of yoga is combined with that of a physiotherapist, its power increases manifold.
“The common problems of the body, which often require physiotherapy, are sometimes solved in yoga as well. That’s why You must also know yoga along with physiotherapy. This will enhance your professional power,” he added.
As a big part of the physiotherapy profession is connected with senior citizens, the PM stressed the need for experience and soft-skills and asked the profession to document and present them via academic papers and presentations before the world.
He also requested the profession to develop ways of video consulting and tele-medicine.
“This can be useful in situations like the earthquake in Turkiye where a large number of physiotherapists are needed and Indian physiotherapists can help via mobile phone,” Modi said.
He asked the Physiotherapist Association to think in this direction.
“I have full faith that under the leadership of experts like you, India will be fit as well as a super hit”, the PM concluded.
