Manipal, 9th September 2024 – The Department of Physiotherapy at the Manipal College of Health Professions (MCHP), a constituent unit of the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), celebrated World Physiotherapy Day with a special felicitation ceremony for Dr. U.T. Ifthikar Fareed, MPT, PhD. The event honoured him for his recent appointment by the Karnataka Government as the Chairman of the Karnataka State Allied and Healthcare Council. MAHE organised the felicitation to recognise his contributions to physiotherapy and his new leadership role in Karnataka’s healthcare system.

The Guest of Honour, Dr. Sharath K. Rao, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Health Sciences, congratulated him on his appointment and lauded his tireless efforts in advancing the profession. He said, “Dr. Ifthikar has always championed the cause of physiotherapy and allied healthcare. His appointment as Chairman is a reflection of his tireless efforts in promoting the profession. I am certain that in his new role, he will lead transformative changes that will elevate healthcare standards across Karnataka. I also urge him to focus on making Karnataka a hub for allied health professionals and to foster innovation and research through strategic collaborations. This will not only improve healthcare delivery but will also place Karnataka at the forefront of healthcare excellence.”

In his acceptance speech, Dr. U.T. Ifthikar Fareed expressed his gratitude to the Karnataka Government for his appointment and to MAHE for organising the felicitation. He shared his vision for advancing healthcare across Karnataka, stating that he is honoured by the trust placed in him as Chairman and by the recognition from MAHE. He emphasised his commitment to strengthening the allied healthcare ecosystem and ensuring that physiotherapy plays a key role in the state's healthcare framework. He also outlined his plans to enhance professional development, introduce modernised training programs, and foster collaboration between academic institutions and healthcare providers. By focusing on continuous education and innovative practices, he aims to improve patient care and drive research and innovation in allied health.

The Chief Guest, Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M.D. Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor, MAHE, echoed these sentiments and highlighted the importance of Dr. Ifthikar’s leadership. He said, “His appointment to the Karnataka State Allied and Healthcare Council by the Government is a prestigious achievement. His ability to lead and bring about positive change will be instrumental in enhancing the quality and accessibility of allied healthcare services in Karnataka.”

The felicitation concluded with a Presidential Address by Dr. H.S. Ballal, Pro Chancellor of MAHE, who acknowledged Dr. Ifthikar’s appointment and the role of physiotherapy in healthcare. Dr. Ballal also assured him a full support from MAHE during his tenure as Chairman. He said, “His appointment as Chairman by the Karnataka Government is a significant achievement for him and for the physiotherapy profession. His leadership will contribute greatly to the advancement of allied healthcare services across the state. We at MAHE are proud to celebrate his success on this important occasion of World Physiotherapy Day and assure him of our continued support throughout his tenure.”

The program opened with a prayer offered by Ms. Arundathi Hebbar. Dr. Abraham Samuel Babu served as the Master of Ceremony, Dr. G. Arun Maiya, Dean of MCHP, delivered the Welcome and keynote address. The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. John Solomon M, who expressed gratitude to all those involved in organising and attending the event.

The event, held in honour of World Physiotherapy Day, was attended by key dignitaries and professionals from the healthcare sector, including Dr. Dilip Nayak, Pro-Vice Chancellor Mangalore Campus, MAHE, Dr. Annad Venugopal, COO of the Teaching Hospital, MAHE, and Dr. Avinash Shetty, Medical Superintendent of Kasturba Hospital. Other associate deans of MCHP, delegates from various physiotherapy institutions, as well as students and faculty members, were also present.