The federal government launched an Integrated Rehabilitation Services in Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in Bauchi state for Persons With disabilities (PWDs) particularly those living in rural communities.
Speaking at the launching held at Primary Healthcare Centre in Doya, Bauchi local government area of Bauchi state, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, stated that the initiative, unveiled was a collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Foundation for Empowering Persons with Disabilities through Medical Rehabilitation (FEPDMR).
He said the programme seeks to integrate rehabilitation services into primary healthcare, enabling persons with disabilities and others requiring rehabilitation to access specialised care at health facilities closest to their communities.
He noted that under the initiative, beneficiaries will receive physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, audiology, prosthetic and orthotic services at designated PHCs nationwide.
Represented by Hon. Baba Abubakar, the minister described the programme as a major milestone in Nigeria’s drive to build an inclusive, equitable and resilient healthcare system.
He said integrating rehabilitation into primary healthcare would ensure that persons with disabilities, older persons, trauma survivors, people living with non-communicable diseases and others with functional limitations have access to quality healthcare services.
He said the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its focus on strengthening Primary Healthcare, expanding access to quality services, promoting social inclusion and protecting vulnerable populations.
He said the programme also complements the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), which is repositioning the country’s health sector through improved governance, infrastructure, workforce development and quality healthcare delivery.
Pate described rehabilitation as a strategic investment in human capital development, Universal Health Coverage and sustainable national development.
He noted that the World Health Organisation’s Rehabilitation 2030 Initiative has placed rehabilitation at the centre of global public health due to the rising burden of disability, injuries, ageing and non-communicable diseases.
The minister said Nigeria had embraced the global vision by approving the implementation of the WHO Rehabilitation 2030 Initiative, inaugurating the National Rehabilitation Technical Working Group in November 2024 and commencing the development of key national policies and implementation frameworks.