A Chat with Principal, K J Somaiya College of Physiotherapy on the new college building.
Please tell us something about the new K J Somaiya College of Physiotherapy building
- When was it planned
In 2016.
- Why?
Our physiotherapy college and treatment centre is much appreciated and, may I say in demand. With the increasing population and lifestyle challenges, we see the increasing need for trained physiotherapists as well as the need for physiotherapy treatment. An expansion of our services was needed for us to serve the community better.
- Why this design?
The new building for Physiotherapy has been built to address the growing needs of the city. When patients come for physiotherapy, they are often in a situation, where their bodies are facing several challenges. Rehabilitation needs the mind and body to work together. The facility has been designed to give the patients a place where they get motivated and in touch with nature. It is a matter of pride for us to be the largest and perhaps the most well-designed Physiotherapy institution in the city.
We have always strived toward excellence, in education and continue to work towards raising the bar for health and knowledge, we are proud of the fact that we have experts in different areas of physiotherapy all under one roof, providing the treatments offered with be at incredibly affordable costs that can be easily accessible to everyone
Since the building is meant to be dual-purpose – for a Physiotherapy College cum hospital, the design had to take multiple factors into consideration. The most essential being the use of spaces both outside and inside the building. The purpose and the topography of the site dictated the design concept and it was conceived to be a “Green” building by the team of Architectural Resources. Ahmedabad. With this in mind, the construction focused on recycled material and the extensive use of the local Maharashtrian Laterite stone ensures perfect insulation for the walls.
Cross ventilation was another major design concern and focus for the design team. Hence, this low-rise building is graced with big square courtyards that not only serve as break-out zones for outdoor activities of the Physiotherapy College but also help cross ventilation for the enclosed spaces. These courtyards also ensure proper distribution of light throughout the building which creates comfortable conditions in all the rooms. The aesthetics of construction and the consideration for the purpose and its communication with the end users come together beautifully to create a congenial atmosphere for both study and healing through physiotherapy activities.
The design has a good blend of clinical and academic areas with a research lab, library, cafeteria and parking spaces. The set up also enhances an open education environment for the students with well ventilated bright and spacious classrooms fully equipped with a mounted LCD projector, mics and wifi facilities. The building reflects positivity and has an old world charm in its structure to expose the new generation to the look and feel of yesteryears which is a rich experience in itself. The ideal Physiotherapy set up needs to be a ground floor structure as most of the patients who need treatment have difficulty with mobility and ambulation. The new building is a ground floor structure and disable friendly with easy wheelchair accessibility at all entrances and OPDs including separate and bigger washrooms for wheelchair manoeuvring.
- What will be the capacity increase in students
The present intake capacity of students in 40 seats per year for the Undergraduate program. Since the College has the capacity to cater to a larger number of students, we have applied for an increase from 40 to 100 students per year. This will increase the learning opportunities and thereby more job opportunities leading to an overall increase in health standards in the society.
- What will be the capacity increase in patients
We will follow the University norms
- What are the kind of patients and issues that the institute gets for treatment
Patients needing treatment for :
a) Neurological conditions like paralysis, head injuries, cerebral palsy, facial paralysis etc.
b) Orthopaedic conditions like fractures, spinal injuries, backaches, cervical spondylosis etc.
c) Women’s Health conditions like urinary incontinence, antenatal-postnatal care etc.
d) Geriatric clients with difficulty in mobility and balance.
e)Patients in the ICU and cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation for patients with COPD, Bronchiectasis, Asthma, post heart attack, CABG, Preventive Cardiology for patients with cardiac risk factors like obesity, Diabetes, sedentary lifestyles.
- What is the unique approach of the institute in teaching physiotherapy
The College uses the latest as well as traditional methods of teaching right from blackboard, bedside clinical and teaching to role play.
- ·What is the unique approach in the treatment
A lot of time and attention is spent on assessment and diagnosis of patients’ problems leading to accurate diagnosis and customised treatment protocol. The patients are treated with empathy and one to one attention which leaves the patients satisfied with the treatment they get as is seen in their feedback forms. Students are provided with soft skill training which improves their communication skills with patients, peers and superiors.
- Since inception how many students/ how many patients
Around 650 students UG plus PG, On an average 8000 patients are treated per year.
- A few memorable moments connected to the planning the new building
The Chira stones used for walls are from Konkan and the wooden artefacts are from Ahmedabad. Initially,
the structure was planned to accommodate 40 students, later with the view of holding more students the plan was redesigned to have classroom capacity for 100 students. The work which seemed so challenging eventually took its own shape and it is now very fulfilling to see this grand yet humble structuring embracing everyone who steps inside it.
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