CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Memorial Hospital and Research Centre (BMHRC) organised an awareness programme on the occasion of World Physiotherapy Day. The theme of World Physiotherapy Day 2026 was “The role of physiotherapy and physical activity in the prevention, management and rehabilitation of heart disease and stroke”.
The chief guest at the programme, held in the BMHRC auditorium, was Dr D. Vijay Kumar, chairperson of the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions. The programme was presided over by the institute’s Director-in-Charge, Dr Manisha Shrivastava.
In her address, Dr Manisha Shrivastava highlighted the key messages of the World Physiotherapy Day 2026 theme and said cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are among the leading causes of death globally. She said regular physical activity and a healthy lifestyle play an important role in preventing heart disease and stroke. Physiotherapists play a key role in motivating and training people to remain physically active and to better manage long-term health problems.
Dr Shrivastava said physical activity and regular movement play an important role in keeping a person independent and active. Prolonged continuous sitting should be avoided, and an effort should be made to bring the body into an active state every half hour. Regular physical activity can help prevent heart disease and stroke.
Chief guest Dr D. Vijay Kumar, in his address, said that under the “One Health, One Nation” approach in India, World Physiotherapy Day is being viewed as part of overall health consciousness. Its objective is to raise awareness towards ensuring access to physical fitness and rehabilitation facilities for every citizen of the country. He emphasised sharing reliable information about physiotherapy, encouraging people to seek appropriate medical and rehabilitation services when needed, and increasing public awareness about the wider role of physiotherapy in health and rehabilitation.
He said free physiotherapy camps and awareness programmes are organised in various district hospitals and health centres in Madhya Pradesh. Under the National Health Mission (NHM), the services of physiotherapists are being utilised in various hospitals and rehabilitation centres across the state, helping extend health and rehabilitation services to the rural level.
At the programme, Dr Aslam Jamali, in-charge of the physiotherapy department, said one in every four people is likely to suffer a stroke in their lifetime, while most stroke risks can be reduced through effective lifestyle and health management. Highlighting the importance of regular exercise and physical activity, he said regular exercise for about 30 minutes five days a week can help reduce the risk of stroke. He gave the message that “move more and stay active, sit less” should be made part of daily lifestyle. Regular exercise strengthens muscles and improves physical capacity.
Senior neuromedicine physician Dr Rachit Raj Saxena gave information through a PowerPoint presentation on “Management of Stroke”. Emphasising the importance of timely medical assistance in stroke treatment, he said that when symptoms of stroke appear, it is necessary to take the patient to hospital immediately. He explained in detail the crucial role of time in the initial treatment of stroke.
Dr Saurabh Gupta, assistant professor in the department of neurosurgery, highlighted in his presentation the important role of physiotherapists in the rehabilitation of patients after surgery. He said the participation of physiotherapists is also important in making patients physically capable and self-reliant again.
Physiotherapist Dr Nehal Shah gave a presentation on “The Importance of Neuroplasticity in Stroke Rehabilitation”. She said that through neuroplasticity, healthy areas of the brain can help compensate for and reorganise functions affected by stroke or injury. Regular practice and exercise help strengthen new neural pathways, promote brain adaptation and improve the recovery process. She described early neuro-rehabilitation as extremely important for patients recovering from stroke.
During the programme, physiotherapy students staged a play to increase public awareness on the prevention of heart disease and stroke. Doctors of the physiotherapy department were honoured and certificates were also presented to students. Head of the neurosurgery department Dr Sandeep Sorte, mini unit coordinator Dr Roma Rastogi, Dr Anjali Sharma, Dr Seema Naved, Dr Mahesh Rathore, Devendra Singh, along with doctors, officers, employees and students of the institute, were present on the occasion.
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