Board raises concern over rehabilitation service deficit in Nigeria

The Medical Rehabilitation Therapists (Registration) Board of Nigeria (MRTB) has expressed concern over what it described as gaps in rehabilitation services across the country. The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Board, Prof. Rufai Ahmad, raised the concern on Tuesday in Abuja while outlining plans to strengthen rehabilitation services nationwide. Ahmad said the Board […]

The Medical Rehabilitation Therapists (Registration) Board of Nigeria (MRTB) has expressed concern over what it described as gaps in rehabilitation services across the country.

The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Board, Prof. Rufai Ahmad, raised the concern on Tuesday in Abuja while outlining plans to strengthen rehabilitation services nationwide.

Ahmad said the Board would implement a comprehensive reform agenda aimed at integrating rehabilitation into Nigeria’s healthcare system and improving access to essential services for patients recovering from illness, injury and disability.

According to him, the reform programme will focus on expanding the rehabilitation workforce, revitalising rehabilitation centres across the country and digitising regulatory processes to enhance efficiency and service delivery.

He noted that the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases, road traffic injuries, conflicts, disasters and the growing elderly population has significantly heightened the demand for rehabilitation services in Nigeria.

The registrar said the situation underscores the need for the country to strengthen its rehabilitation framework in line with the World Health Organisation’s Rehabilitation 2030 Initiative.

“Rehabilitation is no longer a luxury but a critical component of healthcare. It enables individuals to regain mobility, independence, productivity and social inclusion after illness, injury or disability,” Ahmad said.

He added that rehabilitation services play a vital role in improving quality of life and reducing the long-term burden of disease on individuals, families and the healthcare system.

“One-third of the world’s population has health conditions that can benefit from rehabilitation. Nigeria is not exempted. The need is increasing daily, but the services remain unavailable or inaccessible to many citizens,” he said.

Ahmad called for greater investment and collaboration among stakeholders to address existing gaps and ensure that rehabilitation services become an integral part of healthcare delivery across the country.