Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy

PRESS RELEASE Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) raises serious concerns over the proposed MDCN Bill (HB 2695) and its implications for healthcare regulation in Nigeria. A thread 👇 @officialABAT @SenGodswill @Fmohnigeria @amos_gwamna #MDCNBill #HealthcarePolicy #Nigeria

Only three weeks left to submit a focused symposium for #WorldPhysio2027! 📣 If you have an idea that can help shape the future of physiotherapy, this is your chance. Submit now: ow.ly/fo9t50YskBZ Submission deadline: 8 April 2026 #Physiotherapy #GlobalPT #Rehab2030

Healthcare reform must be inclusive, balanced, and collaborative, not dominated by one regulatory body. Nigeria’s healthcare system depends on partnership, not control. Dr Oyinlola Felix Odusanya President, Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy #Physiotherapy #MDCNBill #Nigeria

PRESS RELEASE Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) raises serious concerns over the proposed MDCN Bill (HB 2695) and its implications for healthcare regulation in Nigeria. A thread 👇 @officialABAT @SenGodswill @Fmohnigeria @amos_gwamna #MDCNBill #HealthcarePolicy #Nigeria

Our Commitment NSP remains committed to: ✔️ Professional integrity ✔️ Patient-centered care ✔️ Strong, balanced healthcare systems

This may require: • Sustained advocacy • Public enlightenment • Possible legal action To protect the future of rehabilitation practice.

Call to Action NSP calls on: 📌 National Assembly – pause legislative action 📌 Authorities – ensure inclusive consultation 📌 Stakeholders – support advocacy efforts

Why? To: • Prevent regulatory conflict • Protect professional autonomy • Ensure balanced legislation • Safeguard patient care

NSP Position In collaboration with NUAHP: 👉 Both bills should be stepped down in their current form

⚖️ This creates a dangerous imbalance: One bill expands power (HB 2695) The other weakens regulation (HB 2703)

Additional concerns: • Inclusion of lay members over professionals • No clear criteria for PT representation • Weak professional voice on the Board

MRTB Amendment Bill (HB 2703) In contrast, this bill is narrow and insufficient. It fails to: • Strengthen MRTB • Protect rehab practice • Address modern technologies

5. Key Risks Identified ⚠️ Regulatory overlap ⚠️ Governance ambiguity ⚠️ Subordination of physiotherapy ⚠️ MDCN vs MRTB conflicts ⚠️ Long-term erosion of healthcare balance

It also defines radiology & pathology as branches of medicine, despite existing independent regulators. This risks absorbing multiple professions into one framework.

4. Expansion of “Medical Practice” The bill expands medicine to include: • Lab practice • Genetic testing • Assisted reproduction • Aesthetic/device-based therapies

3. Control of Therapeutic Technologies HB 2695 includes regulation of: • Ultrasound • Laser therapies • Radiofrequency devices These are core physiotherapy tools. Broad wording risks reclassifying them as exclusively “medical” → threatening physiotherapy autonomy.

Without clear boundaries, this creates regulatory ambiguity over who governs digital rehabilitation services.

2. Digital Health & Telemedicine The bill empowers MDCN to regulate digital health, including: • Telerehabilitation • Remote physio consultations • AI-assisted rehab • Digital monitoring systems