PGI Physiotherapists give 15-day ultimatum over pending demands, hostile work conditions

In 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.”

According 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.