Healthy ageing call rings out on Physiotherapy Day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 08 2025: Under the theme of "Healthy Ageing", the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) observed World Physiotherapy Day at its OPD Complex in Lamphelpat today.

The event was attended by Professor N Sanjib Singh, Medical Superintendent, RIMS Hospital; Dr Heikrujam Joybi Devi, Chairperson, Physiotherapy Fraternity of RIMS Imphal and Professor L Rajesh Singh, Dean (Academics), RIMS as the chief guest, functional president and guest of honour.

In his address, Professor N Sanjib Singh emphasized the importance of physiotherapists as healthcare professionals even as they remain an "unsung" part of the medical community.

Healthy ageing call rings out on Physiotherapy Day

He stressed that the National Commission for Allied Healthcare Professional Act (NCAHP) 2021 recognizes physiotherapists as independent practitioners like any other health care provider and gives them the title of "Rehabilitation Professional", an integral part of the health care providing system.

Though medicine and surgery may save a patient, they need the help of physiotherapists to make a complete recovery, he said.

Highlighting their indispensability, he added that human beings need physiotherapy from the cradle to the grave.

On the occasion, Dr Heikrujam Joybi Devi said that ageing is a natural process but physiotherapists can help extend patients' lifespan.

Physiotherapy is not a simple treatment system but it is a science that focuses on the body's movement and mobility.

"A legacy of physiotherapy has been preserved at RIMS, Imphal for the last 40 years.

However, with the available manpower, we are unable to treat all 300 patients who turn up at the OPD and PMR (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation) daily", she remarked.

As such she made an appeal to the relevant authority to plug the shortage of manpower and other shortcomings at the Physiotherapy Department to keep the legacy alive.

She also pointed out that according to the NCAHP Act 2021, physiotherapists can use the prefix "Dr" followed by the suffix "PT" after their names.

As part of the program, mementos were presented to patients who had successfully recovered through physiotherapy.

Additionally, informative pamphlets on physiotherapy, healthy ageing, and fall prevention were released and distributed to all attendees to raise awareness about the vital role of physiotherapy in enhancing overall well-being.

The program was attended by the Deputy Director (Admn), the Principals of the Dental College and College of Nursing, Heads of Departments, faculty members, nursing officials, staff, and patient parties.