Bhubaneswar, Jan. 12: The role of Occupational Therapists in changing times and amidst lifestyle changes has assumed immense importance in the field of healthcare, said Dr. Mukesh Mahaling, Minister for Health and Family Welfare of Odisha, while addressing the 63rd annual national conference of the All India Occupational Therapists’ Association (AIOTA) which began here.
“The central government had recognized the importance of occupational therapy by enacting the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) Act in 2021 and the Odisha government would take steps to frame cadre rule for physio and occupational therapists, he added.” The act intended to ensure regulation and maintenance of standards of education and services by allied and healthcare professionals. The minister also added that considering the importance of the role played by occupational therapists the government would ensure employment of trained therapists.
Around 1500 occupational therapists from across the country are attending the three-day conference being held at the SOA Deemed to be University. Titled OTICON-2026, the conference has been organised by the Odisha Branch of All India Occupational Therapists’ Association (OBAIOTA) and Swami Vivekananda National Institute of Rehabilitation Training and Research (SVNIRTAR), Olatpur. The theme of the conference is ‘Tradition to Technology: Embracing Cultural Diversity in Occupational Therapy’ which reflects the profession’s commitment to integrating cultural values with modern technological advancements to enhance healthcare outcomes and rehabilitation.
Dr. Bibhu Prasad Tarai, Member of Lok Sabha, who attended the inaugural session as guest of honour, underlined the need for strengthening the profession of Occupational Therapy and ensure that the benefit reached those who needed it most.
“Occupational Therapy lies at the very heart of rehabilitation helping individuals with functional limitations to lead lives of dignity, independence, productivity and purpose,” Dr. Tarai said while pointing out that the conference had reinforced the important realization that though it had a rich legacy and deep rooted relevance, it continued to remain outside the broader public consciousness. “Despite its invaluable contribution to society, occupational therapy receives far less recognition than it truly deserves,” Dr. Tarai said while pointing out that a huge gap existed between trained manpower and service delivery which needed to be bridged.
“To build a healthcare system that is genuinely holistic and inclusive, we must prioritize Occupational Therapy across all levels of care. Empowering this profession ensures that disability services and community health programs are equipped to provide people-centric support’, said Dr. Joseph Sunny, Secretary, AIOTA.
Prof. Pradipta Kumar Nanda, Vice-Chancellor of SOA, attended the inaugural session as guest of honour which was also addressed by Dr. Pankaj Bajpai, President of AIOTA, Dr. Akhilesh Kumar Shukla, President of Occupational Therapy Professional Council, NCAHP and Director of National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation, Sehore, Dr. Joseph Sunny, Secretary, AIOTA, Dr. Pragyan Singh, Scientific Chairperson of the conference, Dr. Patita Paban Mohanty, Director, SVNIRTAR and Dr. Anurupa Senapati, Organising Secretary of the conference.
The conference is being attended by eminent national and international speakers, academicians, clinicians, researchers and students. It provides a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, professional networking and celebration of cultural diversity while reinforcing the vital role of occupational therapy in holistic healthcare and rehabilitation. It also features a comprehensive mix of academic and cultural programs including scientific sessions by national and international experts, panel discussions, paper and poster presentations, presentations on resources, innovations, emerging trends in Occupational Therapy and exhibition by students and innovators.