Objectives and Activities

Professional Development: NEPPF organizes workshops, webinars, and certification programs on emerging topics like neuro-rehabilitation, pediatric physiotherapy, and geriatric care. These events aim to bridge the gap between urban expertise and regional practitioners.

Networking and Collaboration: The forum facilitates inter-state partnerships, enabling members to share case studies, research findings, and best practices. It also liaises with national bodies like the Indian Association of Physiotherapists (IAP) for accreditation and resource allocation.

Advocacy and Community Outreach: NEPPF advocates for better integration of physiotherapy into public health systems, including school-based programs for injury prevention and disaster response training for natural calamities common in the Northeast. Recent initiatives include free camps for tribal communities and awareness drives on ergonomic practices for agricultural workers.

Research and Innovation: Encouraging evidence-based contributions, the forum supports small-scale studies on region-specific issues, such as mobility challenges in high-altitude areas, and publishes an annual newsletter highlighting member achievements.

Role in Broader Events

NEPPF plays an active role in national gatherings like the International Physiotherapy Conclave (IPC), where it represents Northeast voices through paper presentations, panel discussions, and sports tournaments. For instance, during IPC 26, NEPPF teams participated in the cricket tournament, showcasing camaraderie while promoting physical fitness among professionals.

Membership and Impact

Open to qualified physiotherapists and affiliates, NEPPF boasts over 500 members as of 2025. Its impact is evident in improved referral networks and policy influences, such as advocating for more physiotherapy posts in government hospitals. For more details, interested individuals can reach out via regional IAP chapters or attend upcoming forums.

This note underscores NEPPF’s vital contribution to elevating physiotherapy standards in one of India’s most diverse and underserved regions, empowering practitioners to deliver holistic, culturally sensitive care.

Executive Committee Selection Procedure

Executive Committee Selection Procedure for the North East Physiotherapy Practitioner Forum (NEPPF)

Overview

The North East Physiotherapy Practitioner Forum (NEPPF) is an independent regional professional association focused on advancing physiotherapy in Northeast India. It follows a structured, election-based process for selecting its executive committee to ensure democratic representation and transparency. The procedure is conducted every three years to elect key positions such as Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, Joint Secretary, and zonal representatives (e.g., for Assam, Manipur, and other Northeast states). This process emphasizes member participation, eligibility verification, and adherence to best practices in professional governance.

Eligibility Criteria

Membership Requirement

 Candidates must be active members of NEPPF, with at least two years of continuous membership and no outstanding dues.

Professional Standing: Qualified physiotherapists (BPT/MPT or equivalent), educators, or researchers with a minimum of three years of post-qualification experience. Preference is given to those with involvement in regional activities, such as workshops or outreach programs.

Nomination: Nominations are proposed by one member and seconded by another, submitted via a prescribed form (available through NEPPF’s official channels) along with supporting documents like updated contact details and a brief profile highlighting contributions to physiotherapy in the Northeast.

Selection Procedure

Call for Nominations: Issued 60-90 days before the election term ends (e.g., for 2026-2029, announcements occur around mid-2025). Notices are circulated via email, NEPPF newsletters, and social media groups.

Data Verification and Updates: Members update their details (e.g., email, mobile) by a deadline (e.g., March 31, 2025, for the next cycle). Only verified members can nominate, vote, or contest. This step prevents discrepancies and ensures only active participants are involved.

Scrutiny and Candidate List: An independent Election Committee (elected by the general body or appointed by the outgoing committee) reviews nominations for eligibility. A final list of candidates is published 30 days prior to voting, with opportunities for withdrawals.

Voting Process: Conducted electronically (via secure NEPPF portals or email ballots) or at the Annual General Body Meeting (AGBM), typically held during regional or national events like physiotherapy conclaves. Voting is open to all eligible members, with one vote per member. For state-specific roles, zonal voting may apply.

Counting and Declaration: Supervised by the Election Committee, results are announced within 10 days post-voting, often at the AGBM. Elected members assume office on July 1 of the new term.

Dispute Resolution: Any grievances are addressed by an internal Arbitration Panel, ensuring fair play.

Tenure and Transition

Term Length: Three years, with a maximum of two consecutive terms per position to promote fresh leadership.

Handover: Outgoing members facilitate a smooth transition, including knowledge transfer on ongoing projects like community camps or research collaborations.

Importance and Recent Context

This procedure fosters inclusive leadership, addressing Northeast-specific challenges like resource scarcity in remote areas. For the 2026-2029 cycles, updates are active until March 31, 2025, emphasizing digital verification to boost participation amid growing membership (over 500 as of 2025). NEPPF encourages nominations from diverse subgroups, including women and early-career professionals, to enhance regional advocacy.

For detailed forms or queries, contact NEPPF via its official email or regional chapter portals. This process upholds NEPPF’s commitment to ethical, member-driven governance.