Patna: Physiotherapy is becoming an important pillar of healthcare, helping people regain mobility, confidence and independence, Bihar Rural Development Minister Shravan Kumar said at the National Physiotherapy Conference-2026 in Patna.
Speaking as the special guest at the conference organised at Maurya Hotel on World Physiotherapy Day, the minister said physiotherapy is not limited to pain relief but plays a wider role in rehabilitation and improving quality of life.
Physiotherapy’s Growing Role in Healthcare
Shravan Kumar said India’s development goals extend beyond economic growth. A developed India must also be healthy, capable and self-reliant, with every citizen getting an opportunity to live with dignity.
He said healthy citizens form the foundation of a strong society and a developed nation. Healthcare is also moving beyond treating people after they fall ill, with greater emphasis on preventive health and awareness.
In this changing approach, he said, physiotherapy will have an increasingly important role.
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Technology Could Transform Physiotherapy
The minister highlighted several factors creating new opportunities in physiotherapy, including the growing elderly population, lifestyle-related diseases, increasing participation in sports and the need for rehabilitation after road accidents.
He also pointed to emerging technologies such as:
- Artificial Intelligence and robotics
- Digital healthcare and tele-rehabilitation
- Technology-supported rehabilitation and training
According to him, these developments could make physiotherapy more accessible and effective in the coming years.
A Source of Hope for Millions
Addressing physiotherapists, doctors, researchers and students at the conference, Shravan Kumar said physiotherapy is more than a profession.
He described it as a source of hope for millions of people who want to regain physical independence after illness, injury or other physical challenges.
The minister expressed confidence that young physiotherapists could help strengthen India’s position in global healthcare. He also stressed that health awareness should reach villages and households, rather than remain limited to hospitals.
Conference Brings Healthcare Professionals Together
The National Physiotherapy Conference-2026 brought together senior doctors, physiotherapists, researchers and students to discuss developments and opportunities in the field.
Among those present were Dr UC Shamal, Dr Sanjeev Kumar, Dr Khurshid Alam, Dr LB Singh, Dr Uday Shankar Prasad, Dr Ravi Prakash, Dr Manoj Kumar Mishra, Dr Piyush Kumar Singh, Dr Shahnawaz Alam Khan, Dr Nishant, Dr Kumar Nishas, Dr Mohammad Shehzad Alam and Dr Amrita Swaraj, along with several other medical professionals and students.
The minister expressed hope that discussions at the conference would encourage new research and open up fresh possibilities in physiotherapy and healthcare.
With technology, preventive healthcare and rehabilitation gaining greater importance, the expanding role of physiotherapy could help people recover faster, maintain physical independence and improve their quality of life.
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