The Sinking Future of Indian Physiotherapy: A Call for Unity and Action
Physiotherapy in India stands at a critical crossroads. What was once seen as a noble, rapidly growing profession is now struggling with identity, recognition, and unity. The silence of many physiotherapists—चुप्पी साधक फिजियोस—is only making the situation worse. Unless we address these issues collectively, the future of Indian physiotherapy will continue to sink.
A Profession in Dilemma
Physiotherapists across the country today find themselves uncertain about their future. The division within the Indian Association of Physiotherapists (IAP)—the largest professional body meant to represent us—has created confusion, weakened our collective voice, and demoralized the community. Instead of standing together for progress, senior leaders often appear to be engaged in conflicts driven by ego rather than vision.
This internal fracture has left the profession vulnerable. When leaders fight, it is the entire community—and ultimately the patients—who suffer.
Declining Student Interest
A telling sign of this crisis is the decline in admissions to physiotherapy colleges across India. In recent years, fewer students are choosing physiotherapy as a career. This downward trend reflects not a lack of value in physiotherapy itself, but a perception problem—students and families see the profession as undervalued, underpaid, and unrecognized.
If this continues, the pipeline of future physiotherapists will shrink, threatening the sustainability of the profession.
The Threat of Paramedical Status
Another pressing challenge is the constant pressure from organizations like the IMA and MCI, which continue to push physiotherapy toward a “paramedical” label rather than recognizing it as an independent healthcare profession.
In states such as Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, physiotherapists have already been classified under paramedical services. The consequences are severe:
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Wages are shockingly low, often below those of nursing staff.
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Postgraduate physiotherapists are made to work under graduate allopathic doctors.
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The respect and dignity of the profession are undermined.
If this trend spreads across the country, physiotherapy will lose its independent identity and status in the healthcare system.
The True Value of Physiotherapy
It is important to remember that physiotherapy is not only a scientific discipline—it carries a deeply human and even spiritual dimension. The healing touch of a physiotherapist reaches patients not only physically, but emotionally as well.
This is why physiotherapy has often been compared to the healing acts of saints like Sai Baba and Jesus Christ, who brought comfort through touch. The profession goes beyond exercises and modalities—it restores dignity, confidence, and quality of life. To reduce it to a paramedical support service is to misunderstand its true essence.
A History of Division
Unfortunately, physiotherapists in India have historically been divided—by region (North vs. South), by language, and by leadership. In a country where more than half of physiotherapists are not even registered with professional associations, it is no surprise that we have struggled to build unity, recognition, and political strength.
In 2010, the profession witnessed what some called a “revolution” on Facebook. Though it began virtually, it briefly energized the physiotherapy community. Sadly, that momentum was never sustained. Many leaders lost focus, choosing personal interests and survival over the collective good of the profession.
What Needs to Be Done
The situation may be grim, but it is not irreversible. Reviving physiotherapy in India requires collective participation and concrete action:
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Unity Within Associations
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The first step is resolving divisions within IAP and creating a strong, unified leadership that prioritizes the profession over personal conflicts.
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Recognition as an Independent Profession
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Advocacy efforts must continue to ensure physiotherapy is recognized as a core healthcare profession, not just a paramedical support service.
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Raising Awareness Among Students and Families
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We must showcase the real value and scope of physiotherapy—both scientifically and economically—so more students see it as a respected and rewarding career.
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Better Wages and Working Conditions
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Physiotherapists deserve fair pay and recognition, especially those with postgraduate qualifications. Policies must reflect this reality.
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Professional Integrity
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Every physiotherapist must commit to ethical practice and continuous learning, to maintain the credibility of the profession in the eyes of patients and society.
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A Call for Participation
Friends and colleagues, we cannot remain silent any longer. Silence is equal to acceptance. If we continue to watch passively, the day is not far when physiotherapy in India will lose its independent standing altogether.
I urge every physiotherapist—students, practitioners, teachers, and leaders—to actively participate in discussions and solutions. Share your views, ideas, and suggestions on how we can revive this noble profession and restore it to the respect it deserves.
You may comment here or reach out to me directly at vijayguleria80@gmail.com. Together, let us protect the identity of physiotherapy in India and build a future where the next generation of physiotherapists feel proud of their profession.
Physiotherapy is too valuable to be allowed to fade into the background. The time for action is now.
