The Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy has raised concerns over a severe shortage of physiotherapists in the country, with over 2,000 professionals having left Nigeria to work abroad.
Oyinlola Odusanya, President of the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy, highlighted this issue during the 65th Anniversary and Gala Night of the NSP in Abuja. Odusanya attributed the mass migration to suboptimal working conditions for healthcare professionals in Nigeria.
The departure of these 2,000 physiotherapists represents more than 65 percent of the country’s total, leaving Nigeria with fewer than 4,000 physiotherapists to serve a population of over 200 million. This significant reduction has exacerbated the physiotherapist-to-patient ratio and weakened the overall healthcare system.
Odusanya urged the Nigerian government to enhance working conditions and improve the welfare of health workers to address this critical issue and retain local talent.
In response, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Tunji Alausa, affirmed the government’s commitment to funding and improving the healthcare sector. He acknowledged the contributions of the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy and promised continued support to bolster the health workforce.