15-Day Ultimatum Issued as Staff Demand Departmental Autonomy and Compliance with NCAHP Act
Chandigarh: The Physiotherapists Association at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, has issued a 15-day ultimatum to the administration, warning of a peaceful protest if their long-pending demands are not addressed. The move comes amid rising frustration over worsening working conditions, administrative inaction, and mental stress among physiotherapy staff.
In a letter submitted to the PGIMER Director on May 26, the association cited a deteriorating work environment, which they allege is being worsened by the conduct of an Additional Professor in the Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM). The letter accuses the faculty member of fostering a hostile work atmosphere, as reported by The Tribune.
Key Demands: Departmental Independence and Staffing
At the heart of the physiotherapists’ grievances is the demand to restore the independent Department of Physiotherapy, which was merged with the PRM department in 2008. The association argues that this merger has stunted career growth, diminished departmental efficiency, and hurt staff morale.
They also raised alarm over the lack of sanctioned teaching posts, noting that the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) program, which has existed since 1995, still operates without formally approved faculty positions. Proposals for lecturer and assistant professor appointments remain stalled, worsening the academic and service quality, according to The Daily.
NCAHP Act Compliance in Question
Another major concern is the institute’s non-compliance with the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act (NCAHP-21), which came into force in December 2023 and was officially enacted on April 22. The law mandates that institutes register with the council to ensure students can receive valid professional registrations.
“Even old students will be in trouble,” said Dr. Pradip Kumar Sarkar, President of the Physiotherapists Association. “Without PGIMER’s registration with the council, students can’t register to practice. Other institutions across India have complied — we are lagging far behind,” he told The Daily.
Planned Protest Steps If Demands Go Unmet
If their demands remain unaddressed, the association plans a phased protest:
- Wearing black badges during working hours.
- Suspending BPT teaching activities for one week.
- If still ignored, launching a sit-in demonstration in front of the Director’s office.
Copies of the letter have been forwarded to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Dean of Academics, and the Head of the PRM department.
Impact on Students and Patient Care
The association emphasized that the absence of sanctioned teaching staff is compromising student education and undermining physiotherapy services at the institute. With no official response yet from PGIMER, the situation threatens to disrupt both academic schedules and patient care if left unresolved.
