Namaskar!
Best wishes to all of you for the 60th National Conference of ‘Indian Association of Physiotherapists’.
I am glad that so many important professionals from the medical field are coming together in Ahmedabad. Be it any injury or pain, be it young or old, sportsperson or fitness enthusiast, physiotherapists are always there to cure their problems by becoming allies of people of all ages. You become a symbol of hope in difficult times. You become a symbol of resilience. You are the symbol of recovery, because when a person suddenly suffers injury or becomes a victim of an accident, it is not only physical trauma for him, it is also a mental and psychological challenge. In such difficult times, the physiotherapist not only treats him but also gives him encouragement.
Friends,
Often, I also get a lot of inspiration from your profession and your professionalism. You must have learned in your field that your inner strength is stronger than the challenges. With a little bit of encouragement and support, people can overcome even the most difficult challenges. Something similar can be seen in governance as well. The poor people of our country needed support so that they could meet their daily needs. We have supported people through many campaigns like opening a bank account, getting toilets built, providing tap water to the people, etc. A strong social security net has been created in the country through the Ayushman Bharat scheme and other social security schemes by our government. We can also see the results of these schemes today. Today the country’s poor and the middle class people are able to muster the courage to dream big and fulfill them. Today, he is showing the world that he is capable of scaling new heights with his potential.
Friends,
It is said that the best physiotherapist is the one, whose need is not required by the patient again and again. In a way, your profession itself teaches the importance of self-reliance. We can say that your goal is to make people self-reliant. Today when India is moving towards self-reliance, people in your profession can easily understand why it is necessary for the future of our country. And most importantly, a physiotherapist knows that progress is possible only when both the doctor and those who need physiotherapy work together. Therefore, you can understand very well the importance of the government’s efforts to make development a mass movement. This spirit of public participation is visible in the success of Swachh Bharat, Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao and many other initiatives.
Friends,
There are many important messages hidden in the spirit of physiotherapy for every person and also for the country. For example, the first condition of physiotherapy is consistency! Generally, people take up exercise for 2-3 days in enthusiasm, but soon their enthusiasm gradually wanes. But, as a physiotherapist, you know that results will not come without consistency. You ensure that the required exercises are done without any gaps. Such continuity and conviction is also necessary for the country. There should be consistency in our policies, there should be a strong will to implement them, only then all the needs of the country are fulfilled and the country stands up and takes a long leap.
Friends,
The country is currently celebrating Amrit Mahotsav on completion of 75 years of independence. I am happy that our government has given a gift to all the physiotherapists of the country in this Amrit Mahotsav, for which they were waiting for 75 years. This wait was — recognition of physiotherapy as a profession. Our government has ended your wait. By bringing the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Bill, we got an opportunity to increase your respect and honor. It also recognized your important contribution in India’s healthcare system. This has made it easier for all of you to work in India as well as abroad. The government has also added physiotherapists to the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission network. This has made it easier for you to reach the patients. Today, along with the Khelo India Movement, the Fit India Movement is also moving forward in the country. The growth happening in all these sectors is directly related to physiotherapists. Now you have a growing role to play as sports infrastructure is developing in smaller cities and towns as well. Earlier we used to have family doctors. Similarly, now there are family physiotherapists. This is also creating new possibilities for you.
Friends,
I appreciate your contribution to society as well as your patients. But I also have a request for you. This request is also related to the theme of your conference and is also related to the Fit India Movement. Can you take up the responsibility of educating people about right postures, right habits, right exercises and their importance? 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 (on social media platforms).
Friends,
I also sometimes have to take the services of physiotherapists. Based upon my experiences, I would like to tell you one more thing. It is my experience that when the expertise of yoga is combined with that of physiotherapy, its power multiplies manifold. The common problems of the body, which often require physiotherapy, are sometimes can be cured through yoga and ‘asanas’ (body postures). Therefore, if you know yoga along with physiotherapy, your professional potential will increase.
Friends,
A large part of your practice in India is dedicated to elderly care. Your experience in patient care and your practical understanding matter a lot. I would also urge you to document your experiences thoroughly. As the number of elderly people is increasing in the world, taking care of them is also becoming more challenging and costly. Your experience in the form of academic papers and presentations is going to be very useful for the whole world. The skill of the Indian physiotherapist will come to the fore.
Friends,
Telemedicine is another issue. You should also develop methods of consultation through video. Sometimes it proves to be very helpful. A powerful earthquake has hit Turkey as well as Syria. Physiotherapists are also required in large numbers after such a disaster. In such a situation, all of you can help in many ways through mobile phones. The Physiotherapist Association must think about this. I have full faith that under the leadership of experts like you, India will be fit as well as super hit. Once again, many best wishes to all of you. Thank you!
DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of PM’s speech. Original speech was delivered in Hindi.
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DS/VJ/IG/AK