Mangaluru: Governor Gehlot calls for opening of Physiotherapy centers at all PHCs in state
Mangaluru: Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot has called for the establishment of well-equipped special physiotherapy units in all primary health centers (PHCs) across the state. He emphasized the importance of physiotherapy as a significant form of medical treatment during his inaugural address at the two-day 'Mangalore Physiocon International Physiotherapy Conference' titled 'Connect to Unlock the Potential of Physiotherapy.' The event was organized by the South Canara Physiotherapy Teachers Association and held at the TMA Pai International Convention Centre in Mangaluru.
Governor Gehlot highlighted that physiotherapy is gaining recognition as a medical treatment that benefits patients both physically and mentally. He also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Fit India Movement' and the increasing demand for physiotherapists in orthopedic clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and sports.
Furthermore, the Governor stressed the importance of incorporating exercise and yoga into physiotherapy sessions, emphasizing their close connection to physical well-being. He discussed his previous focus on empowering differently-abled citizens and providing them with physiotherapeutic treatment during his tenure as the Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment.
Dr. MK Ramesh, Vice-Chancellor of the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS), who attended the event as the chief guest, advocated for the employment of physiotherapists in every primary health center (PHC). Dr. Ali Irani, Chairman of International Affairs for the Indian Association of Physiotherapists, suggested the formation of a physiotherapy association in the state to enhance healthcare facilities for patients.
Dr. Sanjiv Jha, Chairman of the Indian Association of Physiotherapists, announced plans for the implementation of "One Nation, One Curriculum" in physiotherapy training and the integration of physiotherapy into medical education across India by 2030.
Speaker of the Karnataka Assembly, UT Khader, who presided over the event, echoed the significance of physiotherapy in medical treatment and proposed the establishment of physiotherapy colleges at the district level in the state.
Karnataka Minister for Medical Education, Sharanaprakash Rudrappa Patil, emphasized the role of physiotherapists in reducing physical pain and improving the quality of life for patients, referring to them as champions of hope.
The 'Excellency Achiever's Award' was presented to DA Kalpaja, Chairperson of the Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, during the event. Dr. Mohammed Sohail, the program's convener, also addressed the audience, while Dr. UT Ifthikar Ali, the organizing committee chairman, and other office-bearers attended the event.
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Sanjay Raut demands re-election, alleges irregularities in EVMs during Maharashtra polls
Mumbai, Nov 25: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Monday demanded a re-election in Maharashtra using ballot papers, claiming there were irregularities with the electronic voting machines (EVMs).
Talking to reporters, Raut alleged several complaints about EVMs malfunctioning and questioned the integrity of the recently held elections.
The BJP-led Mahayuti won 230 out of 288 seats in the assembly elections, while the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi managed 46 seats, with Shiv Sena (UBT) winning just 20 out of 95 seats it contested.
"We have received nearly 450 complaints regarding EVMs. Despite raising objections repeatedly, no action has been taken on these issues. How can we say these elections were conducted fairly? Hence, I demand that the results be set aside and elections be held again using ballot papers," Raut said.
Citing some instances, he said a candidate in Nashik reportedly received only four votes despite having 65 votes from his family, while in Dombivli, discrepancies were found in EVM tallies, and election officials refused to acknowledge the objections.
The Sena (UBT) leader also questioned the credibility of the landslide victories of some candidates, saying, "What revolutionary work have they done to receive more than 1.5 lakh votes? Even leaders who recently switched parties have become MLAs. This raises suspicions. For the first time, a senior leader like Sharad Pawar has expressed doubts about EVMs, which cannot be ignored."
Asked about the MVA's poor performance in the elections, Raut rejected the idea of blaming a single individual.
"We fought as a united MVA. Even a leader like Sharad Pawar, who commands immense respect in Maharashtra, faced defeat. This shows that we need to analyse the reasons behind the failure. One of the reasons is EVM irregularities and the misuse of the system, unconstitutional practices, and even judicial decisions left unresolved by Justice Chandrachud," he said.
Raut stressed that though internal differences might have existed within the MVA, the failure was collective.
He also accused the Mahayuti of conducting the elections in an unfair manner.
"I cannot call the elections fair given the numerous reports of discrepancies in EVMs, mismatched numbers, and vote irregularities across the state," Raut said.
