Foster enabling environment for physiotherapy service to strive ― Expert urges FG

A Consultant Physiotherapist, Mr Olusegun Odunaiya, has urged the Federal Government to ensure better physiotherapy practice in the country’s public healthcare facilities and foster enabling environment for private sector initiative to thrive.

Odunaiya, who works at the Ajayi Medical Centre, Ikorodu in Lagos State, made the plea in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos.

He said that the call became imperative as the World Physiotherapy Day or Physical Therapy Day was commemorated.

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NAN reports that the World Physical Therapy Day is observed annually on Sept. 8 to generate awareness about the crucial contribution physical therapists make to the society in enabling people to be mobile, well and independent.

The day was designated in 1996 by the World Confederation for Physical Therapy.

Odunaiya said that there was a need to have more modern physiotherapy equipment and support continuing education training for practitioners.

According to him, in spite of the milestone of the physiotherapy profession, it has yet to adequately cover all the secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities.

He added that more physiotherapists should be employed and attached to the health facilities, the Federal and State Ministries of Sports.

“Physiotherapy is an important part of treatment for most people with pains, especially people suffering from arthritis,” Odunaiya said.

He also advocated a reduction in the yearly fees for physiotherapists in the private sector for conveniency and enhancement of quality service.