Dietitians and nutritionists working in Lagos State hospitals want the government to give them more say in how hospitals are managed.
They said that not being part of important decisions affects patient care and limits how much they can help in the health system.
At the first-ever Lagos Dietitian-Nutritionists Retreat in 2025, Mrs. Nwankwo Jessie, who leads the Dietetics and Nutrition Department at the Lagos State Health Service Commission, explained how important their work is in preventing disease, caring for hospital patients, and helping people recover.
She said including them in hospital management would lead to better services and better teamwork among different medical departments.
Jessie asked the government to make rules that respect their skills and allow them to have leadership roles just like other healthcare workers.
She said the government needs to support them so they can help prevent and treat illnesses effectively. This would benefit not only Lagos but also humanity in general.
She added that if they are given proper roles and support, they can improve inpatient nutrition, manage hospital kitchens, and match food to each patient’s illness and preferences. This would help patients recover faster.
For patients who are not in the hospital, Jessie said dietitians can help prevent many diseases if given the right position and tools. She explained that good food is not just about medicine but includes nutrients that protect cells and boost the immune system.
At the event, Dr. Felix Faniran, a former President of the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy, said dietitians and nutritionists are vital to healthcare.
He said their work is very important to community health, but they are not properly included in many hospitals or in primary health centres where they are needed most.
Faniran explained that without dietitians in these centres, diseases are spreading more easily. He believes they can help stop illnesses like diabetes and high blood pressure before they get worse.
He urged the government to create a national body to oversee and regulate dietetics and nutrition.
He said this new body could set standards, stop unqualified people from practicing, and protect the public.
Faniran added that in Nigeria, health professionals like dietitians are often left out of top hospital roles, unlike in countries like the US and UK.
He said only allowing one type of health worker to become hospital CEO is unfair and hurts the system. He believes qualified dietitians should also lead hospitals if they have the skills.
Dr. Olawale Adegbite, Director of Medical Services in Lagos, told dietitians to work together to make a bigger impact.
He agreed that dietitians and nutritionists are key in treating illness and preventing disease, especially non-communicable ones.
Adegbite said their role is clear, but they are not well recognized in health planning, funding, and leadership.
He encouraged them to talk to decision-makers, show proof of their impact, and work closely with hospital leaders.
He reminded them to speak up for their profession, be involved in policy-making, form partnerships, and use data to push for change.
He said diet and nutrition are essential to health, and their voices need to be heard. He promised the Lagos Health Commission would support them.
Dietitian Akinlonu Olusola, who led the retreat’s organizing team, said the event aimed to fix gaps and overcome challenges.
She explained that other medical professionals often don’t fully accept dietitians. Some doctors and nurses try to take over their roles, and this affects teamwork.
Olusola also said they lack proper tools and equipment, which makes it hard to give the right diet advice and manage patients properly.
She stressed that every healthcare worker has a role, and they all need a good environment to do their jobs well.
