Pate was represented by Dr John Ovuoraye, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics in the ministry.
He said the move toward developing a National Rehabilitation Strategy aligned with the World Health Assembly’s call for countries to establish rehabilitation strategies by 2030.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to inclusive healthcare and the attainment of Universal Health Coverage, with emphasis on integrating persons with disabilities into health planning and service delivery.
According to him, the growing demand for rehabilitation services and limited access underscore the need for a clear policy framework, strategy and action plan to guide nationwide implementation.
“One in every five persons needs rehabilitation. So, if one in every five, then people that don’t have the access are now about six in every 10 among the people that need it.
“That shows that there is room for us to lay down the necessary policy, strategy, action plan to guide the nation and ensure we truly care for the health of all Nigerians, people with disability, and persons that need rehabilitation,” he said.
He said representatives from states across the six geopolitical zones participated in the process to ensure ownership, adoption and flexibility for states to adapt strategies to local needs and resources.
He added that while some states might prioritise integrating rehabilitation into primary healthcare, others could focus on upgrading facilities or expanding specialised services.
The minister also noted that the overall goal was to institutionalise rehabilitation care nationwide, including rural communities.
Pate also said discussions were ongoing with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to incorporate rehabilitation services into health insurance coverage through a capitation system.
He said the initiative would promote cost certification, dedicated budgeting and financial protection for vulnerable populations, thereby reducing out-of-pocket expenses.
“Services must be available, affordable and must be of quality,” he said, emphasising the government’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to rehabilitation services for all Nigerians.
Prof. Rufai Ahmad, Registrar, Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Board (MRTB), said the World Health Organisation’s Rehabilitation 2030 Initiative identified leadership and governance, financing, workforce, service delivery, assistive technology, and data/information as key health system building blocks.
Ahmad said Nigeria currently lacked a comprehensive National Rehabilitation Policy, strategic plan and monitoring and evaluation framework required to guide implementation and ensure accountability.
He explained that ongoing assessments were identifying existing gaps to support the development of an effective national policy and strategic plan.
He said statistics showed that one in five persons required rehabilitation at some point in their lives, while some estimates suggested one in three persons in Africa might need such services due to the high burden of diseases and injuries.
According to him, strengthening coordination would improve workforce distribution, service quality and access to rehabilitation services nationwide.
Also speaking, Dr Nassib Tawa, Lead Consultant and Regional Technical Expert on Rehabilitation at the World Health Organisation (WHO), said assessments conducted in Jigawa and Gombe States revealed growing demand for rehabilitation services.
Tawa said the proposed National Rehabilitation Policy would provide strategic guidance on priority interventions and improve access to assistive products and rehabilitation services.
“Its implementation will ensure that Nigerians currently with disabilities or conditions have access to services and assistive products to improve their health status.
“It will enable them to participate in meaningful generation of income or participation in instrumental activities to improve their livelihoods,” he said.
Abdullahi Aliyu-Usman, National President, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), said implementation of the policy would expand access to rehabilitation services and assistive products nationwide.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Funmilayo Adeyemi
