Abuja: The Registrar of the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Board of Nigeria (MRTBN), Dr. Yusuf Rufai, has called on the government to enhance rehabilitation financing and expand the country’s physiotherapy workforce. This appeal was made during a collaborative training programme in Abuja, organized by MRTBN and Built to Last (BTL), aimed at promoting modern rehabilitation technologies among physiotherapists nationwide.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Rufai emphasized that the measures would significantly improve access to quality rehabilitation services for Nigerians needing specialized care. He highlighted the partnership’s focus on enhancing service delivery through emerging technologies and ensuring professional compliance. The collaboration aims to ensure the safe and effective use of rehabilitation technologies, with BTL providing the necessary equipment and the board regulating standards.
Dr. Rufai pointed out the challenges of limited rehabilitation equipment and inadequate technical capa
city within the sector. He stressed the importance of proper clinical reasoning in rehabilitation practice and patient management, cautioning that inappropriate equipment selection could negatively impact patient recovery. He also advocated for sustainable rehabilitation financing under the World Health Organisation’s Rehabilitation 2030 Initiative, with government-supported budget lines and expanded health insurance coverage for rehabilitation services.
Mrs. Nkiru Jibauku, a physiotherapist, echoed the call for increased investment in advanced rehabilitation technologies, noting their potential to improve treatment outcomes and reduce recovery periods. She explained how modern tools have transformed physiotherapy beyond traditional methods, supporting faster healing and more effective rehabilitation processes.
Mr. Tony Odhiambo, BTL Medical Nigeria’s Head of Sales, emphasized the program’s role in connecting physiotherapists with modern rehabilitation solutions. He noted the initiative’s goal to integrate
advanced devices into routine clinical practice, ultimately strengthening physiotherapy services and improving patient outcomes. BTL, a Central European manufacturer, produces internationally certified rehabilitation equipment designed to support evidence-based physiotherapy practices globally.