Minister tasks rehabilitation group on strategic plan

Prof. Muhammad Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Development, has urged the Rehabilitation Technical Working Group (RTWG) to develop and implement a rehabilitation strategic plan in Nigeria.

Pate represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs Daju Kachollom at the inaugural ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, emphasised the importance of addressing disability inclusivity in health to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030.

He noted that persons with disabilities were more susceptible to poverty, which exacerbated their conditions.

He stressed that Nigeria must address disability issues to achieve sustainable development and societal change.

The minister tasked the 15-member RTWG to work with the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Board (MRTB) to develop a rehabilitation strategic plan aligned with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII).

Prof. Rufai Ahmad, Registrar of MRTB, highlighted the minister’s efforts to strengthen rehabilitation in Nigeria’s health system.

Ahmad emphasised the need to integrate rehabilitation into primary healthcare and establish rehabilitation centre across the country.

The RTWG is expected to collaborate with MRTB to develop and implement the rehabilitation strategic plan, ensuring alignment with the NHSRII.