World Physical Therapy Day 2024 was celebrated with enthusiasm at Khyber Medical University

World Physical Therapy Day 2024 was celebrated with enthusiasm at Khyber Medical University (KMU), organized by the IPMR Physical Therapy Society in collaboration with the Arts and Literature Society of the Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (IPM&R). The event was attended by distinguished guests, including Dr. Zaiulhaq (Vice Chancellor, KMU), Dr. Irfan Ullah (Director, IPM&R), Dr. Mahboob Ur Rahman (Chairman, MMI), Dr. Syed Muhammad Ilyas (CEO, Paraplegic Centre), Dr. Ziaullah (Acting HOD, LRH), Dr. Adnan Khan PT, and Dr. Muhammad Raza (HOD, Akbar Kare Institute), alongside respected faculty members and students.

The celebration included a series of engaging activities such as a panel discussion featuring prominent healthcare leaders, a skit, quiz competitions, and a model competition based on the WHO’s 2024 theme of low back pain. This provided students with a platform to demonstrate their creativity and knowledge.

A key moment of the event was the launch of "ReGon," a brand representing the unity of IPM&R’s five disciplines, symbolizing collaboration and a cohesive approach to rehabilitation and patient care.

In his keynote address, Chief Guest Dr. Zai ul haq emphasized the critical role of physiotherapists in healthcare, sharing his personal experience of recovery facilitated by a physiotherapist. He advocated for the professional independence of physiotherapists, suggesting that patients should have direct access to physiotherapy services without the need for a referral from other healthcare professionals. He also announced plans to establish a state-of-the-art physiotherapy department at KMU’s new hospital, aimed at fostering innovation and improving patient care. Shields were distributed to participants, and Prof. Dr. Haider Darain was honored with the Hall of Fame Award in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the physiotherapy community.

As part of the celebrations, Dr. Adnan Khan PT led a workshop on advanced treatment methods for low back pain, which included interactive discussions and hands-on sessions. The event concluded with a free physical therapy camp the following day, offering complimentary services to underserved communities and addressing healthcare gaps.

In recognition of their contributions, students and faculty were awarded certificates and shields. Dr. Shakir Ullah PT, Assistant Professor at IPM&R, received the "Best Clinician" award for his outstanding clinical expertise and dedication to the field.