Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Sept 8: Marking World Physiotherapy Day, Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Monday highlighted the vital role physiotherapy plays in ensuring better mobility, independence, and quality of life for people of all ages, especially the elderly. He called for its integration into national health strategies aimed at promoting healthy ageing.
In a message shared on X (formerly Twitter), Nadda said, “On the occasion of World Physiotherapy Day, let us acknowledge the crucial role physiotherapy plays in improving mobility, enhancing independence, and ensuring better quality of life for individuals of all ages.”
This year’s theme, “Healthy Ageing – Role of Physiotherapy in Falls and Frailty”, focuses on how physiotherapy can help prevent falls and manage frailty among the elderly, contributing to their dignity, autonomy, and active lifestyle. Nadda underlined the relevance of this theme in the context of India's growing ageing population and urged for greater promotion of physiotherapy as a core component of healthy ageing initiatives.
While often associated with back pain or sports injuries, physiotherapy is also key in stroke recovery, chronic pain management, post-operative rehabilitation, and fall prevention—especially in senior citizens. Its role in restoring movement and functionality makes it a critical part of holistic healthcare.
Nadda also drew attention to government efforts under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership to improve elderly healthcare access. He pointed to over 1.6 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs that are now delivering primary healthcare across the country.
He highlighted flagship schemes like the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), which offers free medical treatment of up to Rs 5 lakh per family annually for citizens aged 70 and above, and the National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE), which provides age-specific healthcare at both primary and tertiary levels.
Additionally, the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) offers assistive devices and physical aids to senior citizens in need, further supporting mobility and independence.
As India continues to see a demographic shift toward an older population, the minister's message served as both a recognition of physiotherapists’ contribution and a call to embed physical therapy deeper into the country’s healthcare fabric.