The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving healthcare delivery across Nigeria, focusing on enhancing infrastructure and boosting manpower in the sector.
Speaking at the 65th Anniversary and Gala Night of the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) in Abuja on Thursday, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, emphasized the government’s dedication to adequately funding the healthcare sector and creating a conducive work environment for health professionals.
Represented by the Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital, Prof. Muhammad Mahmud, Dr. Alausa commended the NSP for its significant contributions to healthcare through practice, training, research, collaborations, and advocacy. He also highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in strengthening the healthcare system.
Dr. Alausa praised the establishment of the Postgraduate Physiotherapy College (PPC) by the NSP, which has produced over 70 specialists, enhancing the healthcare workforce and complementing government efforts to improve healthcare services.
At the event, keynote speaker Prof. Sylvester Igaww, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Coal City University, Enugu, urged medical professionals to continue upgrading their skills, especially with the advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the sector. He also warned about the negative impact of the ‘Japa Syndrome,’ stressing the need to address the brain drain affecting the healthcare sector.
NSP President Dr. Oyinlola Odusanya echoed these concerns, noting that over 65 percent of physiotherapists trained in Nigeria now practice abroad. In the past three years alone, more than 2,000 physiotherapists have left the country, leaving fewer than 4,000 to serve a population of over 200 million. This exodus has weakened the profession in terms of training and reduced the availability of experienced physiotherapists in Nigeria.
