The Federal Government remains dedicated to improving healthcare delivery by enhancing infrastructure and workforce capacity in the sector, according to Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare. Speaking at the 65th Anniversary and Gala Night of the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) in Abuja, Alausa, represented by the Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital, Prof. Muhammad Mahmud, emphasized the government’s commitment to funding the healthcare sector and creating a supportive work environment for health professionals.
Alausa praised the NSP for its contributions to healthcare through practice, training, research, collaboration, advocacy, and policy development. He also encouraged public-private partnerships to bolster the government’s efforts to build a more robust healthcare system in Nigeria.
“Your efforts have significantly contributed to the overall improvement in healthcare, enhancing the quality of life for countless individuals. I commend your establishment of the Postgraduate Physiotherapy College (PPC), which has produced over 70 specialists in various fields of physiotherapy. These skilled professionals have bolstered the healthcare workforce, complementing government efforts to improve healthcare delivery,” Alausa said.
The keynote speaker, Prof. Sylvester Igaww, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Coal City University, Enugu, urged medical practitioners to continue enhancing their skills, particularly in light of technological advancements such as Artificial Intelligence (AI). Speaking on the theme, “Physiotherapy Practice in Nigeria: The Past, Present, and the Way Forward,” Igaww highlighted the negative impact of the ‘Japa Syndrome’ on the healthcare sector and called for solutions to this challenge.
NSP President, Dr. Oyinlola Odusanya, also spoke at the event, noting the society’s role in establishing the Postgraduate Physiotherapy College in Nigeria, which trains specialists to meet the evolving needs of patients. He expressed concerns over the challenges facing the profession, particularly the effects of brain drain. “Over 65% of physiotherapists trained in Nigeria practice abroad. In the last three years, over 2,000 physiotherapists have left the country, leaving less than 4,000 to manage a population of over 200 million. This development has weakened us as a group in terms of training and reduced the number of experienced physiotherapists available to serve our various establishments,” Odusanya stated.
