Ministers Stress Compassion in Tech-Enhanced Physiotherapy at Mangalore Conference
Mangaluru: At the Mangalore Physiocon 2026, an international physiotherapy conference, Minister of Medical Education Dr. Sharan Prakash Rudrappa Patil urged students and practitioners to integrate compassion with emerging technologies. The event, organized by the South Canara Physiotherapy Teachers Association, was held at the TMA Pai International Convention Centre on Friday.
Balancing Technology with Human Touch
Dr. Patil highlighted the transformative impact of artificial intelligence, data analytics, and precision medicine on medical science. "While embracing these advancements, we must ensure that compassion, ethics, and patient-centric care remain at the core of practice," he stated. He warned that science without humanity loses its purpose, and healthcare without empathy loses its soul, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach in modern physiotherapy.
Government Commitment to Healthcare
The minister reiterated the government's dedication to strengthening healthcare infrastructure, promoting research, and supporting academic excellence. He noted that conferences like Mangalore Physiocon align with the vision of building a robust, knowledge-driven healthcare ecosystem. "In a rapidly evolving world, physiotherapy reflects the deep interconnection between observation, science, and human understanding," Dr. Patil added, stressing the uniqueness of each patient for effective care.
Growing Opportunities in Physiotherapy
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao praised physiotherapy as a profession with great promise, encouraging expertise development. He expressed satisfaction over the increasing number of women entering the field, noting more female practitioners than men. "There is opportunity for them in homes, hospitals, and beyond traditional clinics," Rao said, pointing to global aging trends that will boost demand for physiotherapists.
Corporate and Sports Applications
Minister Rao also discussed the significance of physiotherapy in corporate sectors, where employees face physiological impacts from prolonged sitting. The conference featured notable attendees, including Dr. Ali Irani, former physiotherapist of the Indian cricket team, and Dr. Bhagavan BC, Vice-Chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, underscoring the profession's diverse applications.
