Association of Respiratory Care Therapists (ARCT)

Establishing Sustainable Respiratory Therapy Education & Practice in Nigeria

The Association of Respiratory Care Therapists (ARCT) of Nigeria is pioneering the establishment of respiratory therapy as a recognized healthcare profession in Nigeria. Our mission is to establish sustainable respiratory therapy education, training, and practice standards, improving patient outcomes and public health through qualified respiratory therapists.

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Accredited Training Programs
International Partnerships
Clinical Affiliations

Program Launch

Training programs starting in Lagos State

Expanding nationwide by 2030

About ARCT

Leading the establishment of respiratory therapy as a recognized healthcare profession in Nigeria

Registered on March 19, 2025, in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, ARCT was created to address the critical respiratory care needs across Nigeria. We are working to establish formal respiratory therapy training programs, provide respiratory care services in healthcare facilities, and advocate for policies that support the practice of respiratory therapy in Nigeria's healthcare system.

Establishing accredited respiratory therapy training programs
Building partnerships with hospitals, universities, and government agencies
Securing funding through sponsorships, grants, and revenue-generating activities
Advocating for policy changes to establish respiratory therapy standards

Our Mission & Vision

Building Nigeria's Respiratory Care Future

Our Mission

To establish sustainable respiratory therapy education, training, and practice standards in Nigeria, improving patient outcomes and public health through qualified respiratory therapists.

Our Vision

To be the leading organization for respiratory care in Nigeria, recognized for excellence in education, advocacy, and professional development.

Understanding Respiratory Therapy

What is Respiratory Therapy and Why Nigeria Needs It

Role of Respiratory Therapists

Healthcare professionals specializing in treating and managing respiratory disorders. RTs work in ICUs, emergency rooms, general wards, transport teams, and home care settings.

Key Interventions

Mechanical ventilation management, airway clearance techniques, oxygen therapy, patient education on respiratory diseases, and emergency airway management.

Why Nigeria Needs RTs

Nigeria faces a significant burden of respiratory diseases due to environmental pollution, high smoking prevalence, and limited healthcare infrastructure. Trained respiratory therapists can dramatically improve patient outcomes.

Importance for Patient Safety

RTs ensure proper ventilation management to prevent complications like ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), reduce hospital-acquired infections, and improve patient outcomes in critical care.

Strategic Partnerships

Building Collaborations for Sustainable Growth

Clinical Affiliations

We are currently working with leading health care facilities in Nigeria that will serve as clinical facilities for training future students in Respiratory Therapy

Academic Partners

We are currently collaborating with top Nigerian universities, both public and private for degree granting programs and universities for curriculum development and international standards.

International Collaborations

Partnering with Africa Respiratory Care Association (ARCA) and international respiratory therapy associations for curriculum development, faculty training, and equipment procurement.

Policy Engagement

Working with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Federal Medical Center, Abuja (FMC), the Nigerian Ministry of Health, commissioners of health, and pulmonologists to advocate for the establishment of respiratory therapy as a recognized profession in Nigeria.

Major Milestones

Our Journey to Establish Respiratory Therapy in Nigeria

February - March 2025: ARCT Formation & Registration

ARCT was formed on February 11, 2025, and officially registered in Nigeria on March 19, 2025, by Dr. Sir Joseph Madu and Dr. Olugbenga Agbelemose to address respiratory care needs in Nigeria.

May 5, 2025: National Hospital Abuja Presentation

Presentation attended by commissioners of health and Nigerian pulmonologists who supported the establishment of respiratory therapy in Nigeria. The event was featured on Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and online media platforms.

May 2025: Federal Medical Center Abuja Partnership

Dr. Prof. Saad A. Ahmed (Medical Director, FMCA) and Dr. Bioku Muftau (Deputy Head) agreed to serve as a clinical site for the respiratory therapy program and share information with Baze University, Abuja.

May 28, 2025: Curriculum Submission

Comprehensive respiratory therapy curriculum along with CVs of founding members provided to FMCA for presentation to Nile University faculty and vice chancellor.

Return on Investment

The Economic & Healthcare Impact of Respiratory Therapy in Nigeria

For Hospitals

Improved patient outcomes & survival rates in ICU/emergency settings
Reduced hospital readmissions for chronic conditions (asthma, COPD)
Efficiency gains through optimized ventilator management
Increased revenue from specialized respiratory care services
Enhanced accreditation & global recognition

For Educational Institutions

Career opportunities for educators and clinical instructors
Increased enrollment & tuition revenue
Research grants & partnerships in respiratory medicine
Long-term sustainability in healthcare workforce development

For Nigeria

Lower healthcare costs through preventative respiratory care
Job creation & economic growth
Medical tourism positioning Nigeria as a regional healthcare hub
Better public health, increased productivity, higher life expectancy

Healthcare Cost Context in Nigeria (2021 Data)

Healthcare spending per capita: approximately $84 USD
Healthcare costs increased by 15.8% year-on-year
Nigeria spends about 3.89% of GDP on healthcare
Most expenses driven by out-of-pocket payments due to imported medical equipment and pharmaceuticals

Get Involved

Join Us in Building Nigeria's Respiratory Care Future

Whether you're a healthcare professional, educational institution, hospital administrator, or policy maker, there are many ways to support the establishment of respiratory therapy in Nigeria.