Archive · 9 Jan 2026
Odisha Health Minister highlights growing role of occupational therapists
Occupational therapists help people with disabilities or illnesses do everyday activities.
The Odisha Health Minister, Dr. Mukesh Mahaling, said that these therapists are very important, especially with changes in how we live.
The government made a law in 2021 to make sure these therapists are trained well.
Dr. Bibhu Prasad Tarai, a member of the Lok Sabha, also spoke about how occupational therapy helps people live better lives.
He said more people need to know about this profession and that there are not enough therapists to help everyone who needs it.
They talked about this at a big meeting of occupational therapists in Odisha.
The meeting talked about how to mix old traditions with new technology to make healthcare better.
Odisha Health Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling emphasized the growing importance of occupational therapists in healthcare.
The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) Act, 2021, recognizes the importance of occupational therapy.
The Odisha government plans to frame cadre rules for physio and occupational therapists.
Dr. Bibhu Prasad Tarai highlighted the need for strengthening the profession and bridging the gap between trained manpower and service delivery.
The conference theme was 'Tradition to Technology: Embracing Cultural Diversity in Occupational Therapy.'
- Who
- Odisha’s minister for health and family welfare, Dr. Mukesh Mahaling, and Dr. Bibhu Prasad Tarai, Member of Lok Sabha
- What
- Highlighting the growing role of occupational therapists and the need for recognition and regulation of the profession
- When
- Friday (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- Odisha (specific location not mentioned)
- Why
- To address the importance of occupational therapy in healthcare and the need for public awareness and government support
- Event
- 63rd annual national conference of the All India Occupational Therapists’ Association (AIOTA)
- Theme
- Tradition to Technology: Embracing Cultural Diversity in Occupational Therapy
- Act
- National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) Act, 2021
- Speaker 1
- Dr. Mukesh Mahaling, Odisha’s minister for health and family welfare
- Speaker 2
- Dr. Bibhu Prasad Tarai, Member of Lok Sabha