Kolkata, 02 September (H.S.): In a significant social initiative, Purvanchal Jan Kalyan Samiti has inaugurated a modern physiotherapy centre near Govindpur Seva Basti in Kolkata’s Lake Gardens area. The centre aims to provide affordable healthcare to the underprivileged, offering physiotherapy treatment by qualified specialists with advanced equipment at a nominal fee of just ₹100. Patients will also be able to consult some of Kolkata’s leading doctors at highly subsidized rates.
Looking ahead, the committee plans to make essential healthcare items such as wheelchairs, hospital beds, walkers, and oxygen concentrators available to the needy on a minimal rental basis.
Speaking at the inauguration, Lalit Todi, Treasurer of the committee, highlighted that modern lifestyle, poor dietary habits, and rising pollution have led to increasing health issues across all sections of society. While treatment is possible, he emphasized that physiotherapy is essential for full recovery — yet remains out of reach for many poor patients. He pointed out that government policies often neglect physiotherapy, with minimal provisions in the healthcare budget and very limited coverage under insurance schemes. The situation, he said, is even worse in rural areas.
Citing figures, Todi noted that an estimated 26 million people in India suffer from some form of physical disability requiring physiotherapy. He added that neglect of the healthcare infrastructure results in an economic loss of nearly 7% of the country’s GDP. According to World Health Organization (WHO) standards, there should be at least one physiotherapist for every 10,000 people. However, in India, the ratio stands at just 1.6 physiotherapists per 100,000 population, compared to developed countries where the figure ranges from 5 to 10 per 10,000.
Calling for collective action, Todi urged the government, private sector, and social organizations to work together in strengthening physiotherapy access. He said the new health centre established by Purvanchal Jan Kalyan Samiti is a step forward in this direction and will play an important role in making India healthier, self-reliant, and stronger.
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh
