By Vinay Mishra Delhi: Children with disabilities represent a significant challenge not only for families but also at the national level, as they constitute a considerable proportion of the population. At the other end of the spectrum, the elderly are increasingly facing locomotor disabilities. While government policies are actively addressing these concerns, the medical community is also recognizing the need to respond at a larger scale. Central to this effort are doctors specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR), who work directly with such individuals. Currently, there are about 1,000 specially trained PMR professionals in the country. Importantly, the National Health Policy also emphasizes rehabilitation as an essential pillar of any healthcare program.
On 12th September, the IAPMR Mid-term CME 2025 began with the inauguration by Dr. Sunita Sharma, Director General of Health Services, Government of India, and Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, AVSM, VSM, Director of Armed Forces Medical Services. Both dignitaries shared their insights and policy perspectives before an assembly of experts and practitioners. The programme, scheduled over 12th and 13th September, is designed to provide doctors with hands-on training in rehabilitation care alongside two days of lectures delivered by nearly 40 leading experts in the field.
The theme of the meeting, “From First Steps to Golden Years: Advancing Rehabilitation Across the Lifespan,” reflects the comprehensive approach to rehabilitation needs at all stages of life. Former Directors General Dr. R.K. Srivastava and Dr. S.Y. Kothari also contributed their perspectives on strengthening India’s rehabilitation services during the meeting. The medical community is now increasingly aware of these issues, with the National Medical Commission (NMC) and National Board of Examinations (NBE) recognizing MD-level training in PMR and incorporating rehabilitation topics into undergraduate medical education.
Dr. Prof. Ajay Gupta, Organizing Secretary of this CME, appreciated and thanked the policymakers for their continued support for the cause. He highlighted that skill improvement and training are the key for medical care to keep pace with technology and the needs of the people at large, informing that such programmes are being conducted at all major institutes in the NCR region. International participation also marked the occasion, with Dr. Steven Faux, President, Rehabilitation Medicine Society of Australia and New Zealand, sharing developments in stroke rehabilitation and pain management.
Dr. Murlidharan P.C., President IAPMR, stated that the speciality of PMR has come a long way and has made significant strides in promoting functional independence, enhancing quality of life, and advocating for the rights of the divyangjan population. He emphasized how PMR has emerged as a dynamic, competitive, and rewarding speciality, despite challenges and limitations in resources.
संदेश
0 टिप्पणियाँ