By Moses Akwashiki
The Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) has expressed deep concern over the proposed Medical and Dental Practitioners Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2026 (HB 2695) currently under consideration by the National Assembly.
The group however urged the National Assembly to stop further legislative action on the said bill without delay.
In a statement signed by its President, Dr. Oyinlola Felix Odusanya, the Society noted that while the bill seeks to modernize the regulatory framework governing medical and dental practice in Nigeria, several of its provisions raise significant legal, professional, and policy concerns.
He particularly highlighted issues relating to jurisdictional overlap and regulatory encroachment into areas already governed by other statutory bodies, including the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Board of Nigeria (MRTB).
According to him, the key concerns include: Jurisdictional overreach and the supremacy clause, expansion into digital health and telemedicine;
Regulation of therapeutic technologies used in physiotherapy, Expansion of the definition of “medical practice” beyond physicians and;
Threats to professional autonomy and regulatory balance
Dr. Odusanya further lamented that the cumulative effect of the bill’s provisions could introduce several risks, including:
Regulatory overlap in technology-driven healthcare practices
Other areas according to Dr Felix are ambiguity in the governance of rehabilitation services,
Potential subordination of physiotherapy under medical regulation, Conflicts between MDCN and MRTB mandates as well as Long-term erosion of interdisciplinary balance in healthcare
The NSP president also noted that the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists (Amendment) Bill, 2026 (HB 2703) appears limited in scope and does not adequately:
Strengthen MRTB’s regulatory authority.
He also expressed concern over the proposed restructuring of the Board, including:
Replacement of core professionals with lay members
Lack of clear criteria for physiotherapy representation
Absence of provisions ensuring representation through professional bodies
The NSP, in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) and other stakeholders, has therefore taken a unified position that both HB 2695 and HB 2703 should be stepped down in their current forms.
According to the Society, this is necessary to Prevent regulatory conflicts, Protect the autonomy of healthcare professions
Ensure balanced and inclusive healthcare legislation , Promote patient safety through clearly defined scopes of practice
The NSP called on the National Assembly to halt further legislative action on the bills pending comprehensive stakeholder engagement.
It also urged relevant authorities to ensure inclusive, multidisciplinary consultation in health sector reforms.
Also the healthcare professionals and stakeholders were encouraged to support advocacy efforts aimed at protecting professional integrity and maintaining high standards of patient care.
The Society emphasized that addressing these concerns may require sustained advocacy, public enlightenment, and possible legal action to safeguard the future of rehabilitation practice in Nigeria.
ENDS
