By Anan Geolengs
The federal government has launched the Integrated Rehabilitation
Services at Doya Primary Health Care Centre, in Bauchi State.
Speaking at the launch, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, said the event marked a significant milestone in the country’s collective efforts to build a
health system that is inclusive, resilient, equitable and responsive to the needs of
every Nigerian.
“It is also a defining moment in our determination to ensure that
rehabilitation services become an integral component of Primary Health Care and
are accessible to every citizen, particularly persons living with disabilities, older
persons, survivors of trauma, people living with non-communicable diseases, and
all those whose health conditions affect their ability to function and participate
fully in society.”
The minister said the initiative is firmly aligned with the
Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola
Ahmed Tinubu.
He said the government is commitment to strengthening Primary
Health Care, expanding access to quality healthcare services, promoting social
inclusion, protecting vulnerable populations and ensuring that no Nigerian is left
behind in accessing essential health services.
“This programme also complements the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal
Investment Initiative (NHSRII), through which the Federal Government is
repositioning the health sector by strengthening governance, improving health
infrastructure, expanding the health workforce and delivering quality healthcare
closer to the people.
“The integration of rehabilitation into Primary Health Care is
therefore not simply another programme of government; it is a strategic national
investment in human capital development, Universal Health Coverage and
sustainable national development.
“While we celebrate today’s success, we must also confront one of our greatest
challenges with honesty and resolve.
Nigeria currently has approximately 34,000 Primary Health Care Centres, yet
we have only about 5,000 licensed physiotherapists, alongside significant
shortages in other rehabilitation professions. This workforce is clearly insufficient
to support the nationwide integration of rehabilitation services into Primary
Health Care.
“This challenge demands bold reforms and innovative solutions.
“Accordingly, I encourage the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Board of Nigeria
to continue reviewing its regulatory frameworks and, where appropriate, draw
valuable lessons from the successful workforce expansion models adopted by the
Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and the Pharmacists Council of
Nigeria.
“Through strategic expansion of accredited training institutions,
innovative educational pathways, competency-based training, strengthened
regulation and effective workforce planning, we can substantially increase the
number of competent rehabilitation professionals while maintaining the highest
standards of professional practice.
“The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare stands ready to work with the
Board, educational institutions and relevant stakeholders to achieve this
objective.
“We are equally pursuing additional funding to replicate the Doya model in other
Primary Health Care Centres across the country.“
