Community Physiotherapy: Curriculum of Instruction and Clinical Practice in Primary Health Care System in Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Considering the population of this country and the spread of her communities; the only means by which physiotherapy for ALL the citizens can be achieved is through Community Physiotherapy practice. In introducing this paper; some past activities of some pioneer physiotherapists and those of the Nigerian Society of Physiotherapy were reviewed. The major part of this paper has been devoted to the curriculum of instruction in Community Physiotherapy and its clinical practice. The pioneering activities of the College of Medicine; University of Lagos in the training of Community Physiotherapists was cited. That other Universities offering courses of study in Physiotherapy should follow the Lagos example has been recommended. Other recommendations given include the direction and utilization of Community Physiotherapy services by the State Governments through State Health Councils or Health Management Boards. Creation of a Directorate of Physiotherapy in the Federal Ministry of Health for supervising; co-ordinating and aiding of the state activities in Community Physiotherapy has also been recommended