J&K to appoint physiotherapists in all district and sub hospitals

Srinagar, Sep 30: The Jammu and Kashmir government is actively considering appointment of unemployed physiotherapists in all district and sub-district hospital's in the state.

A proposal in this regard is in the pipeline and would be implemented in a phased manner, secretary, health and medical education K B Jandial said.

The therapists, through their magical hands, cure patients suffering from various orthopedic diseases and if such practices are rendered with all devotion and dedication it could revolutionise medical treatment all over our state, he said.

He said though treatment of orthopedic ailments through hands is not new yet it has seen tremendous improvement in skills over the years.

With regard to formulation of a Physiotherapists Council in the State, the Secretary said that the action would be taken in due course of time.

Mr Jandial was speaking at a workshop organised for physiotherapists on the topic'' Disaster Management and Sports Related Injuries'' Highlighting the importance of physiotherapy, President Indian Association of Physiotherapists, Dr Ali Irani said that people working in this sector had been treating orthopedic patients since 460 BC, and have played a crucial role during the world war treating the injured.

He said since then the physiotherapy sector has witnessed a sea change and this occupation has carved a niche for itself through new medical researches on orthopedic ailments.

Dr Irani said 160 colleges are offering bachelor's degrees and 80 colleges are providing master's degrees in physiotherapy sciences while Ph D is being done in five universities in our country. He said India produces 3,000 physiotherapist graduates annually, adding 18000 Members are currently registered with the IAP.

Referring to the earthquake of 2005 in Kashmir, Dr Irani said he alongwith a team of doctors visited various parts of Uri to provide medical succor to the victims.

He said that physiotherapists have played a great role in minimizing sufferings adding that doctors should always be ready to tackle exigencies and natural catastrophes.

UNI