Digital Pulmonary Rehabilitation Physiotherapist (2 roles)

Job Title : Digital Pulmonary Rehabilitation Physiotherapist

Location : Remote in India. Based in Mumbai or Delhi is a plus.

Contract : Full-time preferred, fixed-term (Pilot : 6 months November - April, with potential for extension)

Salary : Competitive, commensurate with experience (₹35,000 - ₹50,000 / month)

About Respira Health

Respira Health is a nonprofit tackling chronic respiratory disease in India by making pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) accessible via WhatsApp. PR is a proven treatment that can reduce mortality risk and improve quality of life, yet fewer than 3% of patients in India have access. Our pilot will test digital PR with 150-300 participants recruited online combining a WhatsApp chatbot with physiotherapist oversight. Draft pilot plan here : https : / / docs.google.com / document / d / 1_W-Edruo27Osg_67O6idbxQ-nCHigNO__INVbl67wgI / edit?usp=sharing

Role Overview

We are seeking early-career or mid-level physiotherapists to support this WhatsApp-based PR Pilot. You will play a central role in recruiting and onboarding participants, conducting clinical assessments, encouraging adherence, and ensuring participant safety. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to an innovative digital health program with the potential to scale nationally.

Key Responsibilities

Supporting content creation & demonstrating exercises if comfortable [filming may be contracted out separately]

Support design of education and exercise video content (breathing techniques, aerobic, strength, flexibility, and functional activities)

Ensure clarity, safety, and cultural relevance of exercises, supporting scripting and adapting content for digital / WhatsApp delivery.

Record video demonstrations in Hindi, adapted for low-literacy audiences.

Participant recruitment & engagement

Work with hospital staff to identify and refer eligible COPD / breathlessness patients

Onboard participants into the WhatsApp PR program from both hospital and online referrals, ensuring clarity and comfort.

Clinical assessments

Conduct initial screening, baseline functional assessments (e.g. 6MWD, mMRC, CAAT, sit-to-stand test), and final evaluations.

Monitor participant safety and clinical appropriateness throughout the program.

Program delivery & safety

Provide physiotherapist oversight for the WhatsApp PR program, answering queries and escalating concerns via. Whatsapp using the Turn.io web interface.

Recognise red-flag symptoms and develop appropriate escalation pathways.

Follow up with participants to improve adherence and motivate progress.

Collaboration & feedback

Work closely with Respira Health’s program team to refine digital content and participant journeys.

Share insights on participant needs, barriers, and opportunities for program improvement.

Monitoring & evaluation

Collect data and ensure accurate reporting on participant outcomes.

Contribute to early cost-effectiveness analysis and pilot evaluation.

Qualifications & Experience

Masters in Cardio-Pulmonary Physiotherapy (or Bachelors of Physiotherapy with extensive PR experience).

Strong clinical foundation in Cardio-Pulmonary Physiotherapy.

Experience working with PR and COPD or chronic respiratory patients strongly preferred.

Familiarity with PR protocols and validated outcome measures.

Hindi and English proficiency required; additional languages a plus.

Attributes

Patient-centered approach with empathy and cultural sensitivity.

Adaptability and openness to training in digital PR methods (e.g. WhatsApp-based interventions, telehealth).

Strong communication skills (comfortable on Whatsapp, video calls, and documentation tools).

Comfortable working across hospital and digital settings.

Eagerness to contribute to an innovative, early-stage nonprofit.

Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently.

Ability to manage in uncertainty

What we offer

Competitive salary commensurate with experience : Probation (first month) : ₹35,000 / month. Post-probation : ₹50,000 / month for fresh Master’s graduates in Cardio-Pulmonary Physiotherapy. Higher range for those with prior extensive PR or Virtual rehab experience.

Opportunity to pioneer a first-of-its-kind digital PR program in India.

Training support, growth opportunities, and contribution to an international nonprofit pilot.

Collaborative environment with international and local health experts.

Certificate of contribution / work experience letter.

Potential for contract extension and more senior roles as the program scales.