The Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) has raised concerns over the growing shortage of physiotherapists in the country, revealing that around 2,000 practitioners have left Nigeria to work abroad.
This alarming statistic was shared by the NSP President, Oyinlola Odusanya, during the organization’s 65th Anniversary and Gala Night held in Abuja on Thursday.
Odusanya attributed this exodus to the poor working conditions faced by health professionals in Nigeria. He pointed out that the departure of these 2,000 physiotherapists represents over 65% of the country’s total physiotherapy workforce, leaving only about 4,000 physiotherapists to serve Nigeria’s population of 200 million people.
“More than 65% of physiotherapists trained in Nigeria are now practicing abroad. In the past three years alone, over 2,000 physiotherapists have left the country, leaving us with less than 4,000 to manage the needs of over 200 million people,” Odusanya stated. He emphasized that this trend has weakened the profession within the country, diminishing the number of experienced professionals available to serve in various healthcare establishments.
Odusanya urged the government to take immediate action to improve the working conditions and welfare of health workers, particularly physiotherapists, to curb the ongoing brain drain. He stressed that better support for health professionals is essential to retaining the country’s top talent.
At the event, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Tunji Alausa, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing the health sector, including providing better funding and creating a more conducive working environment for health workers. He expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy for their continued service to the nation and assured them of the federal government’s ongoing support.
