Ekpo calls for integration of physiotherapy services into Nigeria’s health system

Akpan Umoh, Uyo

The Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom, Mr Moses Ekpo, has underscored the critical role of the Nigerian Society of Physiotherapy in achieving a holistic healthcare system for any nation.

Ekpo said this while receiving the National Executive Council of the Nigerian Society of Physiotherapists on a courtesy call to him in Uyo on Tuesday. 

He said that more than any period, the current COVID-19 pandemic challenge has made the services of physiotherapy professionals highly inevitable.

The deputy governor stressed the imperative of integrating physiotherapy services into every facet of our nation’s health system, adding that it holds the key to the success of effective healthcare delivery in any nation.

He disclosed that in the health sector reforms of the State Government, attention has been given to the provision of both requisite manpower and equipment that are products of cutting-edge technology.

“This emphasis by the State Government are aimed at ensuring a wholesome healthcare delivery for the people. Government believes that only a healthy population can breed a productive workforce and citizenry,” Ekpo said.

Ekpo said that as part of the ongoing infrastructure revolution in the state’s health sector, Gov. Udom Emmanuel would be inaugurating two newly re-modelled hospitals in Ikot Ekpene and Ikot Abasi in the next one week.

He urged the Association to dialogue with the Commissioner and officials of the state Ministry of Health to address areas of mutual benefits as well as collaborate for the overall success of the health sector.

Earler, the National President of the Nigerian Society of Physiotherapy, Dr Nnena Chigbo, said the group were in the state for its national conference.

Chigbo said that the physiotherapists were impressed with the tremendous developments taking place in the state’s health sector

She, however, said that there was need for the state government to strengthen its healthcare delivery sector with the appointment of a Director of Physiotherapy, the recruitment and deployment of Physiotherapists in the 31 Local Government Areas of the State.

She lauded the state government’s approach in handling the COVID-19 pandemic adding that the state should reinforce this feat with the deployment of respiratory physiotherapists in order to mitigate the COVID-19 scourge.