Yogesh K Porwar
Deputy Chief Minister Dr.G.Parameshwara said physiotherapy has evolved into an indispensable component of modern healthcare and sports science and emphasized that greater efforts are needed to integrate physiotherapy into preventive healthcare, strengthen sports medicine and position Karnataka as a leading centre for physiotherapy services.
He was addressing the inaugural session of the *Bangalore Physiotherapists Network (BPN) Colloquium 2026* held at ITC Gardenia,Bengaluru, on Sunday.
Congratulating the Bangalore Physiotherapists Network for successfully organizing the colloquium for the 16th consecutive year,Dr.Parameshwara said such professional conferences are not merely platforms for bringing experts together but serve as important forums to deliberate on emerging challenges,exchange knowledge and collectively identify solutions that shape the future of the profession.
He observed that the subjects chosen for the colloquium are highly relevant for the younger generation of physiotherapists and would help them better understand evolving healthcare needs and enhance patient care.
Speaking about the evolution of physiotherapy, Dr. Parameshwara noted that while various forms of physical therapy have existed since ancient times,the discipline gained scientific prominence over the years, particularly in rehabilitating injured soldiers after the World Wars.
Today,he said,physiotherapy has emerged as an integral branch of healthcare across the world and plays a vital role in patient recovery,rehabilitation and improving quality of life.
Referring to the expansion of medical and physiotherapy education in the country,he said India has significantly increased its capacity to produce doctors and physiotherapy professionals every year.
However, he observed that the larger challenge lies in ensuring quality healthcare reaches every citizen.
Physiotherapy,he said,should not be viewed merely as a treatment after pain or injury but should become a routine part of people’s lives,promoting preventive healthcare and enabling society to remain healthier and more productive.
Drawing from his own experience as a former athlete,Dr. Parameshwara recalled that muscle cramps and sports-related injuries were common during his competitive years,often forcing athletes to miss important championships.
He observed that access to qualified physiotherapists was extremely limited during that period and remarked that timely physiotherapy intervention could have significantly improved both performance and recovery.
Recalling that he had clocked 10.9 seconds in the 100-metre sprint,he said athletes of his generation would have greatly benefited from the scientific guidance and rehabilitation support that is available today.
He noted that physiotherapy has now become an integral part of modern sports,enabling athletes to recover faster, prevent injuries and consistently perform at the highest level.
Emphasising the need to strengthen sports physiotherapy, the Deputy Chief Minister said the Government would examine measures to make physiotherapy services available at the district level so that athletes across Karnataka receive timely scientific support alongside coaching.
He noted that while coaches are available for various sports, the presence of trained physiotherapists would significantly improve athlete performance and injury management.
Highlighting Karnataka’s initiatives in sports infrastructure,Dr.Parameshwara said the Government has already initiated the establishment of advanced sports science facilities to support scientific training of sportspersons.
Referring to the proposed redevelopment of Bengaluru’s Kanteerava Stadium into an international-standard sports complex at an estimated cost of ₹5,000 crore,he said the Government would explore creating dedicated facilities for physiotherapy and sports science as part of the project,enabling Bengaluru to emerge as a nationally and internationally recognised centre for sports medicine and physiotherapy.
The Deputy Chief Minister observed that despite considerable progress in medical education and allied health sciences, healthcare delivery continues to face challenges in reaching every citizen.
He pointed out that many healthcare institutions still require adequate technical and supporting staff and stressed the need to further strengthen healthcare infrastructure and human resources.
He said Karnataka has consistently remained ahead of many States in healthcare delivery and public health infrastructure while emphasizing that continuous improvement requires greater investment in priority sectors such as health and education.
A healthier society, he said, contributes directly to higher productivity and overall development.
Dr. Parameshwara further noted that Karnataka has established itself as a leader in healthcare,education, industry and investment and reiterated the Government’s commitment to making the State a leader across every sector.
He said Karnataka possesses the institutional strength and talent to emerge as a centre of excellence in physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
Observing that India possesses a rich legacy in healthcare and wellness,he urged the physiotherapy fraternity to deliberate on ways of building globally recognised centres of excellence by combining scientific advancement with the country’s inherent strengths.
He called upon delegates to utilise the colloquium to discuss the future of the profession and submit constructive recommendations to the Government. Assuring full support,he said the Government would positively consider proposals aimed at strengthening physiotherapy education,research,professional practice and public healthcare.
Congratulating the organisers,delegates and award recipients,Dr.Parameshwara expressed confidence that the younger generation of physiotherapists would take the profession to greater heights through innovation, scientific learning and collaboration.
