Physiotherapy Lacks Technological Drive In Nigeria, Says Experts

EXPERTS have bemoaned the low poor technological drive in physiotherapy in Nigeria.

The physiotherapists, who spoke at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) during the university’s First Distinguished Visiting Scholarship Lecture organised by the Department of Physiotherapy, urged Nigeria to follow the trend in the U.S where physiotherapy training has been upgraded to the Doctor of Physical therapy (DPT).

The lecture was delivered by a renowned expert in physiotherapy and Provost and Vice President of the San Diego State University, US, Prof. Chukuka Sam Enwemeka, who is a leading light in photo medicine in the world.

The Head of the Department, Dr Kayode Oke, stated that the practice of physiotherapy needs to be raised to meet global standards, even as he revealed that the Physiotherapy Department, which was established in the university, has grown tremendously. “The department has two laboratories- Electrotherapy Laboratory and Movement Research laboratory with modern-day equipment and devices procured by the university. “The department has already secured a classroom that will be used for students’ training and research activities.

“The establishment of a training physiotherapy department is very strategic because it is the first of such in the South -South geopolitical zone of Nigeria and anything that would make the training and the products stand out distinctly and outstandingly is not too much,” he said.

Nigeria currently has about 1,000 physiotherapists, a serious shortfall of about 44,000 physiotherapists required to attend to the needs of patients in the country. Oke said more needs to be done in this regard.