By TC News Desk
Agartala, 5th May 2024: In a bid to combat the rising menace of unqualified practitioners offering misleading and harmful physiotherapy treatments, The Indian Association of Physiotherapists (IAP) has taken decisive action.
Amid mounting concerns over the proliferation of unscientific practices in Agartala, Soumak Bhattacharya, the general secretary of the organization, addressed the press at the Agartala Press Club today.
Highlighting the alarming trend of individuals offering physiotherapy services without the requisite qualifications, Bhattacharya emphasized the significant risks posed to unsuspecting patients. He lamented the financial and physical losses suffered by many who had fallen victim to these fraudulent practices, resulting in exacerbated health issues and financial strain.
The crux of the issue lies in the exploitation of the term “physiotherapy” by those lacking the minimum qualification of a four-and-a-half-year graduation course. Despite lacking the necessary expertise, certain establishments in Agartala, notably the body massage and panchakarma centers in Oligli, have been providing erroneous and unscientific treatments under the guise of physiotherapy.
In response to these concerns, the IAP has appointed a legal advisor tasked with scrutinizing and curbing the activities of fake physiotherapists. This proactive measure aims to safeguard the well-being of the community and prevent further harm, both physical and financial, to the people of the state.
Bhattacharya underscored the urgency of verifying the qualifications of individuals offering physiotherapy services, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. With many patients experiencing heightened physical immobility due to improper treatments administered by bogus practitioners, the need for stringent oversight has never been more critical.
