My first encounter with the term “physiotherapy” was in the Nollywood drama “North East” back in 2016. While I won’t dive into the movie plot today, we’re ready for a health talk that’s as exciting as a blockbuster!
Physiotherapy Unveiled
Physiotherapy, the magical world of healthcare focused on enhancing mobility, function, and the overall quality of life. It’s all about assessing, treating, and preventing physical disabilities, injuries, and diseases.
Time Travel to the 1950s
The history of physiotherapy in Nigeria takes us back to the early 1950s when it was mainly practiced by expatriate physiotherapists in government hospitals. Fast forward to today, the demand for physiotherapy is skyrocketing, driven by a growing awareness of its incredible benefits.
Physiotherapists: Healthcare Wizards
In the vibrant landscape of Nigeria’s healthcare system, physiotherapists have become essential players. They offer a diverse range of services, aiding recovery from injuries, managing chronic conditions, and enhancing overall health and wellbeing.
Nigeria’s seen a surge in injuries and illnesses, spurring a demand for physiotherapy. From back pain to stroke, sports injuries to post-surgery rehab, people are turning to physiotherapy for solutions.
Challenges in the Script
Despite the progress, Nigeria’s physiotherapy story isn’t without challenges. The lack of government funding is a roadblock, hindering progress in equipment acquisition, professional training, and care improvement. Some primary care physicians are yet to tune into the physiotherapy benefits frequency, resulting in fewer patient referrals.
Rural Areas: The Untold Chapter
The rural areas face their set of challenges – limited access to rehabilitation services due to travel constraints and organizational issues. Here, a concern arises: many opt for local bone doctors instead of proper physiotherapists. Is it affordable for the average Nigerian? Can they access it?
Voices from the Field: Insights from Dr. Adiche Benjamin
To delve deeper, we spoke with Dr. Adiche Benjamin, a young physiotherapist actively practicing in Nigeria. His insights provide a firsthand perspective on the current state of physiotherapy in Nigeria, addressing the affordability and accessibility concerns, especially for the less privileged.
Initial Attraction to Physiotherapy:
“Dr. Ben, was physiotherapy your first career choice, or did your interest develop over time?”
Answer: “Not exactly all I knew then was a church member a pastor spoke about it in passing as what he does. Initially I choose medicine but I heard someone talk about it passing then I was like why not, then the rest is history”
Education Quality in Nigerian Universities:
“In your opinion, do Nigerian universities provide a solid foundation for physiotherapy education?”
Answer: “We have very skilled and cerebral teachers many of my colleagues are abroad and it is what we were taught in class that was a foundation to what they are using overseas”.
Comparing Equipment in Nigerian Hospitals:
“How do you view the availability and quality of equipment for physiotherapy in Nigerian hospitals compared to those in developed countries?”
Answer: “We don’t have everything, but we make the best use of what we have, truthfully Nigerian education is not as bad as people paint it to be. If you visit private facilities they have it slightly better. We have the Nigerian factor everywhere and the physiotherapy profession is not an exception.. as far as Nigeria allows us we do the best within the ambit of what’s available”.
Personal Fulfillment in the Profession:
“Dr. Ben, what does physiotherapy mean to you personally? Do you find fulfillment in practicing it?”
Answer: “I love physio. So far so good satisfying, I may change career or add other things along the line… I can almost say I was born for this, natural ingenuity, matchless intelligence, superfluous creativity creeps in as I work, I play and work simultaneously”.
The State of Physiotherapy in Nigeria:
“Would you say that physiotherapy is a thriving profession in Nigeria?”
Answer: “Physiotherapy is more of skills than equipment In this part of the world. Physiotherapy is highly dependent on skills. Yes equipment plays a huge role. They have it better in other parts of the world too, but we are not too far behind”.
Accessibility of Physiotherapy for the Less Privileged:
“In rural areas, or for those who cannot afford professional physiotherapy services, what options do they have?”
Answer: “People’s funds determine the quality of service they’d get. But there’s physiotherapy for everyone”.
Advice for Aspiring Physiotherapists:
“Finally, Dr. Ben, what advice would you offer to those considering a career in physiotherapy in Nigeria?”
Answer: “It’s a noble profession, with plenty uncharted course. You can make your own trail, the sky of physiotherapy is wide for everyone to fly… We physiotherapists take this popular quote to heart. ‘we lay hands people recover’ ‘Our intervention never leaves anyone the same, we are experts in mobility…for optimal mobility think physio'”.
In conclusion, whether you study physiotherapy in Nigeria or abroad, it’s a field that requires hard work, passion, and continuous learning. It’s not just about equipment or techniques; it’s about the will to bring mobility and health to those in need.
So, when you think about health and mobility, think physiotherapy!
