Chandigarh: The
Physiotherapists Association at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, has issued a firm ultimatum to the administration,
warning of a peaceful protest if their pending demands are not addressed within
15 days. The decision comes amid growing discontent among physiotherapy staff over worsening working
conditions, institutional apathy, and mounting mental stress.Also Read:Demanding rotatory headship policy, AIIMS, PGI Chandigarh Faculty begin hunger strikeIn a letter submitted to the PGIMER Director on May 26, the association highlighted a
deteriorating work atmosphere, which it claims is being exacerbated by an
Additional Professor in the Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine
(PRM). The letter specifically accused her of contributing to a hostile working
environment, reports The Tribune. 

A key demand from the
association is the restoration of the independent Department of Physiotherapy,
which was conjoined with the PRM department in 2008. Physiotherapists argued
that the merger has led to stalled career growth and a drop in departmental
efficiency and morale. In addition, they have called for the creation of
sanctioned teaching posts, pointing out that the Bachelor of Physiotherapy
(BPT) course at PGIMER has functioned without officially sanctioned teaching
roles since its inception in 1995. They alleged that administrative delays have
left proposals for the recruitment of lecturer and assistant professor positions
unaddressed for years, reports the Daily.

Another major concern is the non-compliance with the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare
Professions Act (NCAHP-21), which was enforced in December 2023 and officially
enacted on April 22. The act mandates institutional adherence to council norms,
similar to the Medical Council of India, without which students are at risk of
being unable to register or practice in either the public or private sectors.

The President of the
association, Dr Pradip Kumar Sarkar, told the Daily, “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.”Also Read:PGI Chandigarh Nursing Officers Raise Alarm Over Poor Hostel ConditionsAccording to the Daily, in their letter, the
association warned that if their concerns remain unacknowledged, they will
begin wearing black badges during working hours and suspend BPT teaching
activities for one week. If still ignored, they will stage a sit-in
demonstration in front of the Director’s office. Copies of the letter have also
been forwarded to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Dean of
Academics, and the Head of the PRM department.

The association insists
that the absence of proper teaching staff is impacting the quality of student
education and undermining the functioning of physiotherapy services at the
institute. As of now, the PGIMER administration has not issued an official response.
However, the situation may continue to intensify and can significantly disrupt
academic schedules and patient care if not swiftly addressed.