The Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) has raised an alarm about the massive exodus of physiotherapists from Nigeria, with at least 2,000 leaving the country in the last three years.
NSP stated that the brain drain has severely weakened the profession, leaving behind a dwindling number of experienced physiotherapists to cater to the healthcare needs of over 200 million Nigerians.
Its President, Oyinlola Odusanya revealed on Thursday at the 65th Anniversary and Gala Night of the NSP in Abuja.
According to Odusanya, the situation was dire, with over 65 per cent of physiotherapists produced in Nigeria opting to practice abroad.
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Despite the challenges, the NSP has made efforts to enhance the profession by facilitating the establishment of the Postgraduate Physiotherapy College in Nigeria.
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The institution aims to train specialists with expertise and clinical competence to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare sector.
However, the federal government has acknowledged the need to address the infrastructure and manpower deficits in the health sector.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Tunji Alausa, assured that efforts are being made to enhance funding, create a conducive work environment, and promote public-private partnerships to complement the government’s initiatives.
Alausa NSP for its contributions to the healthcare sector through practice, training, research, collaborations, advocacies, and policy development.
The Minister encouraged the organization to continue its good work, revealing the importance of public-private partnerships in building a better health sector for Nigeria.
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