By Tracy Moses
Access to specialised physiotherapy and rehabilitation services received a major boost on Monday with the inauguration of NOHSONIC Physiotherapy Clinic in Abuja, a state-of-the-art facility designed to provide advanced treatment for stroke, chronic pain, spinal disorders, sports injuries and other conditions requiring specialised care.
Promoters of the facility said the investment is aimed at making world-class physiotherapy more accessible and affordable for Nigerians, reducing dependence on medical tourism and strengthening the country’s rehabilitation healthcare system.
Commissioning the centre, the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Mera, described the facility as a significant milestone in expanding access to quality rehabilitation services for Nigerians without the need to seek treatment abroad.
After touring the clinic, the traditional ruler said the centre is equipped with technology comparable to what many patients travel overseas to access.
“Alhamdulillah, glory be to God. I’ve been around the clinic and what I saw is truly impressive. Much of what Nigerians travel abroad to access is now available here, and I believe this will go a long way in providing more affordable, accessible and compassionate care for people from all walks of life.
“The proprietor explained that the vision behind this project is to help Nigerians recover from stroke, chronic pain and other debilitating conditions as easily and as affordably as possible. The level of care available here is one that many people previously had to travel abroad to receive.
“Some patients cannot walk, while others cannot even stand. Obtaining travel approvals from embassies and making such journeys is often difficult and time-consuming. Having a centre like this in Abuja—and hopefully in other states in the future—is a wonderful opportunity for all Nigerians.
“I’m delighted with what I have seen, and I believe we are turning a new page in ensuring Nigerians receive quality rehabilitation care quickly and at affordable rates.”
Registrar of the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Registration Board of Nigeria, Prof. Ahmad Alkali, said the clinic complements the Federal Government’s efforts to bridge the country’s rehabilitation gap and expand access to physiotherapy services.
He disclosed that Nigeria recently completed a national assessment under the World Health Organisation’s Rehabilitation 2030 initiative, which identified significant gaps in rehabilitation service delivery.
According to him, the government is responding by expanding rehabilitation services in secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities while integrating rehabilitation into primary healthcare to improve access at the grassroots.
“Nigeria has just completed a nationwide situation assessment, and it revealed a significant gap in rehabilitation service delivery.
“The government is working to expand these services by increasing rehabilitation capacity in secondary and tertiary hospitals while integrating rehabilitation into primary healthcare. This will help identify people who need these services at the grassroots and ensure they are referred appropriately.
“However, public facilities alone cannot meet the enormous demand. Centres like this will complement government efforts by providing quality rehabilitation services at the secondary and tertiary levels of care. This is a very welcome development.
“We commend this investment because the resources committed here could easily have generated greater financial returns elsewhere. Choosing instead to invest in healthcare demonstrates a commitment to humanity, and that deserves recognition.”
Founder and Managing Director of NOHSONIC Physiotherapy Clinic, Dr. Kingsley Nwankwo, said the project was inspired by the need to make advanced rehabilitation services readily available within Nigeria.
He noted that although Nigeria has highly skilled physiotherapists, limited access to modern equipment continues to affect patient outcomes and fuel medical tourism.
“NOHSONIC is a dream I have nurtured for many years, and I thank God that it has finally become a reality.
“Every day, I encounter people living with one disability or another. Our concern has never been a lack of expertise but rather inadequate equipment and limited treatment options that can significantly improve recovery.
“We asked ourselves: why should Nigerians continue travelling abroad for services that can be provided here? That inspired us to bring these advanced rehabilitation technologies into the country.
“People suffer spinal injuries, disc problems and various forms of chronic pain. Instead of losing billions of naira annually to medical tourism, we should provide those services here at home.”
Nwankwo also expressed concern over the growing migration of Nigerian physiotherapists, saying better-equipped facilities would encourage more professionals to remain and practise in the country.
“Nigeria is producing many highly qualified physiotherapists, but a large number are leaving because they lack access to modern equipment and opportunities to develop their skills. As a result, we are gradually facing a shortage of manpower.
“By providing these technologies locally, we can encourage more professionals to stay, build their expertise and deliver the highest standard of care to patients.
“Our priority has always been the patient, and NOHSONIC is open to everyone.”
He disclosed that the clinic houses nearly 100 specialised rehabilitation machines, including advanced laser therapy systems, electronic traction beds, tilt tables and other modern equipment for treating chronic pain, neurological disorders, stroke recovery and orthopaedic injuries.
Nwankwo said affordability remains central to the clinic’s mission, stressing that its services are accessible to people from all socio-economic backgrounds.
“NOHSONIC is open to every Nigerian, as well as non-Nigerians. We are committed to providing high-quality care at affordable rates.
“Each treatment room is fully equipped for its specific purpose, and we are ready to receive patients.”
He added that the clinic will offer discounted treatment to its first 50 registered patients, organise periodic wellness outreach programmes for senior citizens and implement injury-prevention initiatives for young people as part of its corporate social responsibility efforts.
The facility is expected to complement government initiatives aimed at expanding access to specialised physiotherapy, strengthening rehabilitation services, retaining skilled professionals and reducing the number of Nigerians travelling abroad for advanced rehabilitation care.