Mangaluru: The Department of Physiotherapy of Father Muller Medical College, in association with Mangalore Round Table – 115 and Mangalore Ladies Circle – 82, organized a programme to distribute free mobility aids and appliances on the occasion of World Physiotherapy Day 2015, with the theme “Improve your move”.
In his presidential address, Fr Coelho emphasized on the need to exercise and physical activity in one’s daily life to maintain fitness. World Physiotherapy Day is celebrated on September 8 every year, and provides an opportunity for physiotherapists from all over the world to raise awareness about crucial contributions that their profession makes to keep people well, mobile and independent.
He said that some people move around slowly while others move too fast. Some people exercise daily and keep themselves fit by walking, taking part in sports, etc. while others become too lazy to do anything and later develop an inability to cope up with even the simplest of day to day activities. The human body is fragile and injuries like fracture can happen throughout one’s life. It is in instances like these when physiotherapists come in the picture. They help to develop, maintain and restore people’s movement and functional ability. They can help people at any stage of life, when movement and function are threatened by ageing, injury, diseases, disorders, conditions or environmental factors. But unfortunately, physiotherapists have been undermined and are not given the appropriate importance or recognition in our country.
Fr Coelho congratulated the Physiotherapy department for recognizing the beneficiaries and appreciated the initiative by MRT and MLC in sharing their resources with our less privileged brothers and sisters.
Mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers, orthoses, braces, etc. were distributed to the disabled citizens who have difficulty in walking, foot deformities, upper and lower limb weakness and spinal deformities, and patients with various types of cancers.
Kenneth Serrao, Chairman of MRT-115, also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the functioning of MTR. Kavita Vishal, Course Cordinator, Dept of Physiotherapy, welcomed the gathering. Sudeep Pais, Assistant Professor, Dept of Physiotherapy, delivered the vote of thanks. Dr Jaya Prakash Alva – Dean of FMMC, Nandita Fernandes – Chairperson of MLC-82, office bearers of MTR and MLC and others were present at the programme.