The Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) has raised concerns about the widening gap between physiotherapists and patients, revealing that 2,000 physiotherapists have left Nigeria to practice abroad.
Oyinlola Odusanya, the president of the NSP, disclosed this alarming statistic during the society’s 65th Anniversary and Gala Night held in Abuja on Thursday. He attributed the mass exodus of physiotherapists to poor working conditions faced by health professionals in the country.
Odusanya emphasized that the departure of these 2,000 professionals represents over 65 percent of Nigeria’s total physiotherapist workforce, leaving the nation with only 4,000 physiotherapists to serve a population of 200 million people.
“Over 65 percent of physiotherapists produced in Nigeria are now practicing abroad. In the last three years, more than 2,000 have left the country, leaving us with less than 4,000 physiotherapists to manage over 200 million citizens,” Odusanya stated. He further explained that this situation has significantly weakened the profession in terms of training and has drastically reduced the number of experienced physiotherapists available to serve in various establishments across the country.
Odusanya called on the government to improve the working conditions and welfare of health workers, particularly physiotherapists, in order to curb the migration of these essential professionals. He stressed that better welfare and working conditions are crucial to retaining the country’s top talent in the health sector.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Tunji Alausa, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to funding the health sector and creating a conducive work environment for health workers. He also expressed gratitude to the NSP for its continued service to the nation, assuring that the federal government would maintain its support for the society’s efforts.
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