PREAMBLE : The Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy(NSP) had its Ordinary General Meeting at Landmark Hotel, Port Harcourt, Rivers State on thursday july 17th 2014. The meeting considered, deliberated and reviewed a number of issues of interest to physiotherapists, physiotherapy profession and the Nigeria health industry in general. 

At the end of the meeting the following decisions and resolutions were reached: 

1. That the NSP 2013 Financial and Auditors reports as presented and accepted by the OGM showed that NSP must urgently work out innovative means of generating fund. Further, OGM mandated the National Executive Committee(NEC) to set up a Fund Raising Committee to enable her executive various capital projects. 

2. That NSP reject in its entirety the Federal Government White paper on merger of the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists(Registration) Board of Nigeria and that of the Optometrists and Dental Technicians regulatory agencies. OGM backed NEC earlier position papers to the Federal government that MRTB was viable to stand alone and is incompatible in roles and responsibilities with that of the other regulatory agencies. 

3. That the NSP should pursue urgently the signing of the Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) with the MRTB in relation to collection of NSP annual dues and other related matters. 

4. That the National Postgraduate Physiotherapy College of Nigeria(NPPCN) should review the criteria for eligibility and selection of Fellows of the College by election. The reviewed criteria should take into cognizance clinical prowess and orientation. OGM endorsed the list of the foundation fellows as published by the College. OGM further requested that the College should fast track the enactment of the enabling law for the College at the national assembly and immediate takeover of the College by the Federal Ministry of Health as its parastatal. 

5. That NSP, NPPCN and MRTB stake holders’ forum be held to review the recent MRTB circular on appointment of Physiotherapy consultants and cohesion in the workings of the various bodies. 

6. That in view of the recent gains in advance Physiotherapy education and the ploy by a professional group to promote the training of Physiotherapists at technical level OGM opposed the training of Physiotherapy assistants and technicians. The OGM directed NEC to communicate same to the MRTB. 

7. That in view of the of the enhanced administrative skills, hands-on skills, increased clinical reasoning and decision making ability inherent in the holders of doctors of Physiotherapy and the global trends in international best practices OGM reaffirmed NSP position to make DPT as the Benchmark Minimum Academic Curriculum for training of Physiotherapists 

in Nigeria. The decision of the OGM was based on the need to provide first class and world standard trained professionals to the good people of Nigeria. 

8. That all NSP state chapters should support the host state chapter, Delta state NSP for 2014 NSP Conference tagged Asaba 2014 as provided for in the NSP Bye Laws. 

9. That NSP should continue to collaborate with other health professional bodies including international Physiotherapy organizations to enhance professional growth and development and optimum Physiotherapy care to the nation. 

10. That NSP condemn the recent strike action embarked by the Nigerian Medical Association describing it as inhuman, untimely and illegitimate. 

Olaniyi Oladire(PT). 

NATIONAL GENERAL SECRETYARY, NSP.