The National President of the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy has written an open letter to the honourable minister of health Professor Isaac Adewole (FAS, DSc Hons) urging the promotion of a united front amongh health professionals in Nigeria

 

The letter Reads:

 

Professor Isaac F. Adewole, FAS, DSc (Hons),

Honourable Minister of Health,

Federal Republic of Nigeria,

Federal Ministry of Health,

Garki, 

Abuja.

 

Honourable Minister Sir,

 

The Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy(NSP) is averse to the spate of unrest and incessant industrial actions in the health sector in the country. The NSP believes that peace is the most significant index for progress in all human endeavours. This eluded index is only possible by forming a united front in the health sector in the nation.  No doubt, this antidote is daunting but it remains the only solution. 

The NSP will like to put it on record that the Society does not have anything against the individuals appointed as Minister of Health, Minister of State for Health, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and the Minister of Labour but opposed strongly to the lopsided appointments that favoured only medical doctors. We expected President Buhari to have given some slots to Physiotherapists and other professionals in the health sector that are seasoned and experienced administrators and academic giants. 

 

The NSP will like to put forward the following proposals to the Honourable Minister of Health:

 

i. Formation of Joint Stakeholders Forum in the Health Sector: The forum should be comprised of all professional associations and unions in health.  The forum will be saddled with responsibility of joint negotiations, development of strategies to stop industrial actions in the health sector in the next two years at the first instance and promote unity.

ii. Embrace dynamic of change in the Health sector: The Federal Ministry of Health must acknowledge and embrace the dynamic of change in the skills and knowledge base of various professions in the health sector. The Ministry should support clinical postgraduate training colleges for deserving professions.

iii. Promote Team Spirit: All efforts must be made by the Ministry to ensure that all health professionals understand that the patients/clients are the centre point of their professional responsibilities and the need to embrace team spirit at all times.

iv. Operational use of 2007 Job evaluation document: The Job evaluation document published by the head of service should be used for remunerations at all times. Each profession in each must be accorded due respect.

 

This proposal is submitted for your information, retention and urgent action.

 

Sincerely,  

                        

President Taiwo Oyewumi,

Chairman of governing Council and National President,

Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy(NSP)