Sr. Physiotherapist at AYUSH Department, Govt. of MP | Physio. Anant Singh

This week’s spotlight features physio. Anant Singh. His joint venture with his wife, PhysiQure emerged with Rs. 1 crore in funding in 2020. He also has made significant changes at his government job as a physiotherapist at AYUSH department to improve access and efficiency of physiotherapy. We all know that family plays an important role in a patient’s rehabilitation especially for the neuro patients. He started the program ‘Hum Saath Hai’ to help and educate family members of neuro patients. Go ahead and read this spotlight to get some out of the box ideas you can implement in your clinical practice. 

What is your name, workplace and job title?

Physio. Anant Singh.

Sr. Physiotherapist at AYUSH department, Govt. of MP

Advisor and back support for the ventures PhysiQure, PHYSIOTIMES, Physiodesk.

What is your educational background?

• Masters in physiotherapy (MPTh), Neurology, Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut- Batch of 2008
• Bachelors of physiotherapy (BPTh), Barkatullah University, Bhopal- Batch of 2006

What did you do soon after graduation? For how long?

From my 10th standard onwards, I used to conduct classes. I was always inclined towards teaching. When I was in physiotherapy college, I used to conduct evening classes for my batchmates who came from Hindi medium and struggled understanding medical terminology. 

So, soon after I graduated, I started as faculty in Ayushman College. I continued there for 2 years. Later in 2010, I switched the job to another college in Burhanpur. 

In 2011, I joined as a physiotherapist at AYUSH department. Govt of MP. I still work there. 

Tell us more about your journey as a physiotherapist at AYUSH department, Govt of MP

Although I enjoyed teaching, I picked up a government job to provide basic financial stability to my family. 

My job title is Sr, physiotherapist at AYUSH department. It is a 150 bedded homeopathy college. So there are no surgeons and allopathy doctors. When I first started, nobody over there really understood the role of a physiotherapist in patient care. 

It was  a real time to prove myself. I needed to make them aware of the importance of rehabilitation. They posted me in a peripheral dispensary where there was not a single chair to sit. So, I requested that my department needs to get started in the new hospital building. I got Rs. 25,000 sanctioned for my department. Using that money I bought furniture and equipment for the department.  

Soon I realised that if my department doesn’t get busy enough, management will have me perform other non clinical work. I also realised that me being a single physiotherapist wasn’t going to be enough to get the department working. 

So I approached an NGO and requested funding for the stipend of physiotherapy interns. They provided stipend for 4 interns for 6 months. During those six months I did the best that I could. And, at the end of the 6 months we were seeing around 50 patients everyday. We completely transformed the department and showed our potential. 

After 6 months, the tenure of the NGO ended. I approached my principal for more staff. At the same time, one of my patients who was an IAS officer forwarded my application requesting more staff. That helped a lot and we got 2 more PTs as a staff. 

What were other programs you started as a physiotherapist at AYUSH department, Govt. of MP

In 2018, I proposed a fellowship program for physiotherapists. It was to promote education and to serve the community effectively. Our first batch of fellowship involved 6 PT students. The program is still running. It is a fellowship program in neuro rehabilitation. We take 6 students at a time. 

In 2019, we decided to conduct a workshop to educate family members of paralytic patients regarding patient care. I believe neuro rehabilitation is not complete without active involvement of a family. We approached the Dilip Buildcon foundation for funding. They sanctioned Rs 50,000 for the workshop. It was a 6 day workshop and we trained family members of about 70 paralytic patients.  

Dilip sir attended our workshop and he liked the concept. That year he sanctioned Rs. 5 lac to start the helpline for paralytic patients. So we started the campaign by the name of ‘Hum Saath Hai’. It is still running. Since 2019 till date, we have enrolled about 438 paralytic patients and their families into the program. We remained connected with patients virtually even during the pandemic. 

Dilip Buildcon foundation funded Rs.15 lacs in the second year. This year we are applying for Rs. 23 lacs to operate a mobile clinic for neuro patients. We are hoping to reach neuro patients in the periphery through a van. Van can be used for treatment, telehealth or transporting patients to and from our clinic. 

What are your other ventures?

In early 2017, I started Physiodesk with my friend. Physiodesk is a clinic management software designed for physiotherapists. I devoted  a lot of my time to this venture. There were many ups and downs. Now we are launching Physiodesk again in November 2021.

In 2019, me and my wife Anubha Singhai, acquired PHYSIOTIMES. We got the funding for PhysiQure in 2020. Over the years we kept trying and learning from our experience. All our efforts increased our visibility. I am happy to say in Jan 2020 we got funding of Rs. 1 crore for PhysiQure. 

Because of covid our plans got delayed. But now we are launching a 38 bedded hospital for neuro rehabilitation in Mumbai. We are also planning to open a physiotherapy college and rehab hospital in Bhopal.

What is a typical day of work for you?

I start my day at 8:00 am at the AYUSH department. Usually I work there till 2:30. After that I give my time to my other ventures till 8-8:30. 

What do you like about work?

I believe movement is essential in patient care. You can not substitute movement. I know I am bringing a positive change in the society by enabling movement and by making patients as independent as I can. 

What are the challenges you face?

Acceptance of the physiotherapy profession among other healthcare professionals still remains a challenge. We need to educate the community about our role in patient care. As physiotherapists we need to explore our place in the wellness industry. I believe the solution to this situation is our work as a physiotherapist.

What do you think can be improved in the field of physiotherapy?

I think we need more innovators and entrepreneurs. We need more leaders. If physiotherapists are not leading institutions, growth of our profession remains limited. 

What are the books, courses and workshops that helped you?

Although I barely read many books, observation is my biggest strength. If my intern is applying a new technique, I observe and learn. I try to learn from everybody around me: seniors, juniors and coworkers. 

What is next for you?

We are actively looking for land for our 38 bedded rehab hospital in Mumbai.

In the future, I would like to integrate AI (artificial intelligence) in physiotherapy care. One of the major challenges in physiotherapy adherence is commutation. Patients don’t want to travel to physiotherapy clinics for treatment every week. So if we can integrate AI in our treatments and treat patients virtually if possible, that would solve a problem with adherence to some extent. 

What is your advice for a new graduate physiotherapist?

Observe and learn. I also think our students and young physios need to start thinking out of the box. 

Where can people reach you?

They can reach me on Instagram or LinkedIn