Bhopal: An inquiry in the Madhya Pradesh assembly revealed a significant discrepancy between the number of practicing physiotherapists and registered clinics. While over 9,000 physiotherapists work in the state, only 40 physiotherapy clinics are officially registered on the govt health portal as of March 26 this year. The discovery prompted an investigation into potentially fraudulent and unregistered clinics.
In a recent directive, MP health commissioner Tarun Rathi directed all district chief medical and health officers (CMHOs) to identify and shut down illegal physiotherapy clinics. Rathi also instructed CMHOs to ensure legitimate clinics register on the govt’s portal.
The action follows concerns raised during the assembly session regarding the prevalence of unregistered clinics, a violation of the state’s Nursing Home Establishment Act, which mandates registration for all medical service providers.
Sunil Pandey, president of MP Physiotherapist Welfare Association, stated, “Action should definitely be taken against illegal physiotherapy clinics. But the govt should simplify the registration process and promptly register physiotherapists with the MP Allied & Health Care Council.”
Previously, physiotherapists registered with the Paramedical Council, which listed 3,028 practitioners as of a year ago. The investigation also brought to light unfulfilled promises regarding physiotherapy education and services. Despite an earlier announcement to initiate physiotherapy degree courses in all state medical colleges and increase physiotherapist appointments in govt hospitals, neither initiative has materialized.
