Awareness of Physiotherapy Services in Bayelsa State, South Southern Nigeria - an exclusive interview with Olugbenga Popoola.

Meet my guest on this issue, a physiotherapist – the first and foremost in Bayelsa, the HOD Physiotherapy Dept. FMC Yenagoa, pioneer NSP Chairman in Bayelsa State, a man that has practiced his profession across this country from both geographical extremes – Borno to Bayelsa, a dogged clinician who started with a personal IRR lamb in a hospital store room to secure a one storey building complex and another annex B, the biggest Physiotherapy Dept. edifice in Nigeria in terms of structure and equipment. Sorry I could not bring you the picture of this gigantic complex as it stood many feets above me and my little Nikon camera. Enjoy the chat!

Physiolight: Good morning Sir!

NSP Chairman: Good morning, welcome.

Physiolight: I am the editor of Physiolight, may I meet you Sir?

NSP Chairman: My name is Olugbenga Popoola, Chief Physiotherapist, Head, Physiotherapy Department, Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Physiolight: Can you tell me about your professional background.

NSP Chairman: Yes (…eeh) I graduated in 1998 as a Physiotherapist from Bayero University Kano (BUK). I had my internship training at University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Borno State. Coincidentally, I returned to BUK for my NYSC.

Physiolight: (cuts in) you have practiced physiotherapy across Nigeria, from Borno to Bayelsa?

All:  (laughs in affirmation)

Physiolight: I learnt that you are the chairman of NSP Bayelsa State Chapter; can you shear your perception on the level of awareness of physiotherapy services in the state with me?

NSP Chairman:  (takes a deep breath) we had only 3 Physiotherapists initially, so I was made a consensus chairman in interim. For awareness, it has been mainly with people that had contact with us. Many patients or clients have benefited and they are in the forefront of the advocacy of our services in the state. Opening of gym services in FMC (here) boosted patronage. Notwithstanding, the awareness is still very low, concomitant with the fact that local massage has been a part and parcel of the indigenes with the notion that it is more efficacious than any forms of orthodox medicine. Those that have benefited from our services has testifies of our superior intervention.

Physiolight: Wow! Please Sir, can you recount the number of physiotherapists currently employed by the state government?

NSP Chairman: It is unfortunate, the low number of Physiotherapists in the state employment. Presently, the state is having about 7 State employed Physiotherapists – which is too poor.

Physiolight: Is this number adequate compare to the number of health institutions being built in the state?

NSP Chairman: Not at all, (opened his drawer and showed me a document) at least 20 Physiotherapists per 200 bedded hospitals is recommended by the regulatory agencies.

Physiolight: So by implication, the 500 bedded-hospital currently at final stage of completion by Bayelsa State Government should employ up to 50 Physiotherapists?

NSP Chairman: (Thinking…..)

Physiolight: (cuts in….) Recently, Physiotherapist NYSC Corp members complained that their state allowance is less than the other health personnel in their cadre (letter attached), what is your take on that?

NSP Chairman: I think the problem is from the Ministry (of health), there should be a separate Directorate for Rehabilitation Medicine but rather, it was merged with Diagnostic Services – which was ab initio created for Medical Laboratory Scientists. As you succinctly put in your letter “both professions (names withheld) were duly placed at the same entry level, with same remuneration by National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission” even during your internship program, you received the same allowances nationwide. I believe it is a mistake and it will be corrected.

Physiolight: Sir, you may like to tell us about the projects that NSP intends to carry out in the state? Is there any plan for celebration of WPD in Bayelsa State this year?

NSP Chairman: Our main project for now is public awareness of Physiotherapy services and the scope of practice. For long time this association has not been effective due to paucity of members. Now that we have members on ground we shall kick off. Yes, we are planning to mark World Physiotherapy Day by September this year.

Physiolight: What kind of relationship exists between NSP and Bayelsa State Government in terms of partnership in service delivery?

NSP Chairman: We have planned to visit the State Ministry of Health to advocate for increase in personnel and to prioritize Physiotherapy services in health institutions from the time of design of such institution.

Physiolight: May we have your last words; your challenges, recommendations and well wishes?

NSP Chairman: Let me congratulate this team (Physiolight) for this noble idea. There is a need for more public enlightenment in the State. I will use this medium to advice the populace to visit hospitals in time of health challenges instead of traditional remedies. In the hospital you met experts in different areas of specialization, state of art diagnostic and treatment equipment and interdisciplinary model for service delivery. People should consult Physiotherapists to prescribe fitness program and lifestyle modification for them to achieve and maintain an optimum fitness level, healthy living and wellness – we offer such services in FMC gym. Thanks and I wish you success.

Physiolight: Thanks for your time.