Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria Calls for an End to Physician Dominance in Nigeria's Health and Education Sectors

Strategic Insights -

The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has written an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, calling for an end to the entrenched dominance of physicians in Nigeria's health and education sectors. The letter, signed by Ambrose Igwekamma Ezeh, National Chairman, and Omokhafe Ashore, National Secretary, criticizes physicians for using strikes and political influence to sideline other qualified professionals, and warns that continued inaction risks deepening systemic mismanagement and stunting development.

Key Takeaways:

  • The ACPN has accused physicians of using strikes and political influence to dominate critical public institutions in violation of laid-down rules, citing a recent strike by physician-lecturers at the University of Calabar.
  • The Association has criticized the Federal Ministry of Education for promoting a culture where only physicians are considered eligible to lead universities of medicine, even when they do not possess PhDs, a statutory requirement for the role of Vice-Chancellor under Nigerian university laws.
  • The ACPN has accused physicians of undermining professionalism, equity, and administrative effectiveness by reserving roles such as Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) and CEOs of Federal Health Institutions (FHIs) exclusively for physicians.
  • The letter has highlighted the systemic mismanagement in the health sector, citing the example of the first quarter of 2025, where nearly all 73 Federal Health Institutions suffered severe power outages due to poor financial planning and a lack of initiative from leadership.
  • The ACPN has also cited the "weaponisation of disciplinary procedures" against pharmacists and other health workers who challenge the authority or practices of physician-CEOs, citing a recent case in Irua Specialist Hospital.
  • The Association has criticized key government agencies, including the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and the Federal Government's approval of the MEDIPOOL procurement initiative without proper engagement with pharmaceutical stakeholders.
  • The ACPN has advocated for the establishment of a Federal Drug Management Agency to centralise procurement and distribution using the framework of the National Drug Distribution Guidelines (2015).
  • The Association has warned that universal health coverage remains a mirage in Nigeria due to poor policy decisions that have sabotaged key pillars such as health insurance, primary healthcare, and drug procurement.

Statistics:

  • Nearly all 73 Federal Health Institutions suffered severe power outages in the first quarter of 2025 due to poor financial planning and a lack of initiative from leadership.
  • The health sector is increasingly being characterised by institutional failure, bureaucratic nepotism, and corruption, according to the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).
  • The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has marginalised community pharmacists despite their pivotal role in Nigeria's COVID-19 vaccination efforts.
  • The Federal Government's approval of the MEDIPOOL procurement initiative was made without proper engagement with pharmaceutical stakeholders.

Sources:

  • Letter from the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) to President Bola Tinubu, dated June 16.
  • Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) ranking of the health sector as the most corrupt in Nigeria's public service.
  • National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) role in Nigeria's COVID-19 vaccination efforts.
  • Federal Government's approval of the MEDIPOOL procurement initiative.
  • National Drug Distribution Guidelines (2015).