Kolkata Heart Lung Centre Shines a Light on Physiotherapy's Power

Kolkata, just recently, played host to a truly insightful and important event that put the spotlight firmly on the transformative power of physiotherapy. On Wednesday, September 9, 2026, the Kolkata Heart Lung Centre and Research Institute (KHLC) organized a compelling symposium to commemorate World Physiotherapy Day. Held at the welcoming Eastern Metropolitan Club in Survey Park, the gathering wasn’t just another medical conference; it was a vibrant forum dedicated to underscoring the critical role of physical therapy in battling some of today's most prevalent health challenges, namely cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

The global theme for this year's World Physiotherapy Day, "Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke: Prevention, Management and Rehabilitation," served as the bedrock for the day's profound discussions. It's a theme that resonates deeply, highlighting how much can be achieved through dedicated physical rehabilitation. Leading the esteemed panel as Chief Guest was none other than Dr. P. K. Hazra, an interventional cardiologist whose insights are always invaluable. He spoke eloquently, emphasizing how integral physiotherapy is, not just in recovering from heart events or strokes, but in proactively preventing them in the first place.

Indeed, the roster of speakers was nothing short of impressive, bringing together a confluence of expertise. Dr. Sunip Banerjee, an Interventional Cardiologist at KHLC, delved into the intricacies of cardiac recovery, while Dr. Arnab Maiti, the Director of Cardiovascular Surgery, shared perspectives from the surgical front. Not to be overlooked, Dr. Anirban Deb, a noted Pulmonologist, highlighted the intertwined nature of lung health and cardiac well-being, often areas where physiotherapy makes a tremendous difference. And speaking of specialists, Dr. Satyajit Behera, a Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Specialist, passionately articulated the structured pathways to recovery that modern physiotherapy offers.

Meanwhile, on the neurological front, the discussions were equally enlightening. Dr. Joydeep Biswas, an eminent neurologist, provided crucial insights into stroke rehabilitation, explaining how timely and consistent physiotherapy can literally rewire the brain and body, giving patients back their independence and quality of life. It’s truly amazing to see the progress patients make under expert guidance in this field.

But beyond the academic discourse, perhaps the most poignant moment came with the sharing of a real-life success story. Paulami Mukherjee, a resident of Tagore Park, shared her journey of recovery from COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). Her story was a powerful testament to the dedication of physiotherapists and the sheer resilience of the human spirit. You could feel the collective empathy and admiration in the room as she recounted her progress, a vivid example of how rehabilitation isn't just about physical exercises, but about reclaiming life itself. This is what truly drives healthcare professionals, isn't it?

The symposium also saw significant contributions from other distinguished healthcare professionals, including Dr. Subrata Dutta, Dr. Adil Bashir Wasil, and Dr. Indranil Dutta, enriching the dialogue with their varied expertise. Prof. Prabir Kumar Dey, Director of Pranabananda Institute of Management & Technology (PIMT), a unit of Bharat Sevashram Sangha, also graced the occasion, underlining the broader institutional support for such initiatives. Dr. Prasanta Verma, Head of Critical Care Unit, offered perspectives on immediate post-crisis care. Guiding the entire insightful programme with grace and professionalism was Clinical Dietitian, Shubhankshi Das, serving as the engaging anchor. It was a day that truly reaffirmed KHLC's unwavering commitment to holistic patient care and to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in rehabilitation. This kind of collaborative spirit is precisely what's needed to advance public health awareness and outcomes.