PGI physiotherapists warn of protest if long-pending demands not met in fortnight

The Physiotherapists Association of the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER has issued a stern warning to the administration, threatening a peaceful protest if their longstanding demands are not addressed within 15 days. The move comes amid heightened frustration over deteriorating working conditions and institutional neglect.

In a letter dated May 26, addressed to the PGIMER Director, the association cited growing mental health concerns among physiotherapy staff due to professional stagnation, lack of sanctioned posts and a hostile work environment allegedly fostered by Dr Somya Saxena, Additional Professor, Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM).

Physiotherapists are demanding the reinstatement of the independent Department of Physiotherapy, which was merged with PRM in 2008, the creation of sanctioned teaching posts and disciplinary action against Dr Saxena.

The situation has become further complicated due to non-compliance with the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act (NCAHP-21), which came into effect in December last year and was officially enacted on April 22. As per this legislation, students will not be able to register or practice — either in government or private sectors — unless PGI adheres to the council’s norms, similar to the Medical Council of India.

Raising a red flag, association president Dr Pradip Kumar Sarkar, said, “Even old students will be in trouble. The PGIMER must be registered with the council first before students can obtain registration. Despite several formal appeals, no action has been taken. Students’ futures are in jeopardy — they will be the most affected. Physiotherapy colleges across India have completed this process, but we are far behind.”

The letter also warned that failure to act would result in staff wearing black badges during duty hours and suspension of the BPT teaching activities for a week. If ignored further, a sit-in protest outside the Director’s office will follow. The letter has also been sent to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Dean Academics, and Head of the PRM.

According to the letter, the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) course at the PGIMER has been running without any officially sanctioned teaching posts since its inception in 1995. Files related to the creation of lecturer and assistant professor positions have reportedly been left neglected for years in administrative offices. The association argues that the absence of formal teaching roles is severely impacting the quality of education provided to students and the overall functioning of the department.

Physiotherapists have also demanded the re-establishment of the previously independent Department of Physiotherapy, which was merged with the PRM in 2008. They claim that the merger had led to professional stagnation and an unhealthy work culture, further affecting both staff morale and patient care standards.

While the PGIMER has not yet responded to the letter, the escalating situation threatens to impact both academic programmes and healthcare services unless swift and meaningful action is taken in this regard.