Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria Accuses Federal Government of Promoting Bias and Apathy in Healthcare Delivery

Strategic Insights -

The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has expressed concerns over the federal government's management of the nation's health sector, citing bias and apathy towards pharmacists and other health professionals. Speaking at a pre-conference briefing ahead of the PSN's 98th Annual National Conference, PSN President Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim urged the government to end the entrenched culture of discrimination and create a level playing field for all health professionals. The PSN warns that the continued favoritism towards medical doctors threatens unity, efficiency, and quality healthcare delivery.

Key Takeaways:

  • The PSN has accused the Federal Government of promoting bias and apathy in the management of the nation's health sector, particularly towards pharmacists and other health professionals.
  • The PSN President, Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, called on the government to ensure fairness and equity among all health professionals, citing the need to end the entrenched culture of discrimination and create a level playing field.
  • The proposed salary relativity between the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) has been faulted by the PSN as 'unjust, divisive, and inimical to sectoral harmony.'
  • Over 8,200 pharmacists have failed to renew their licenses in the last five years due to poor welfare and lack of motivation, with the PSN lamenting the alarming exodus of pharmacists from Nigeria.
  • The PSN President criticized the establishment of Universities of Medicine and Medical Sciences, describing the concept as 'discriminatory and unconstitutional.'
  • The PSN is gearing up for its Centenary Celebration (1927-2027) to commemorate a century of the Society's impact on national development.
  • The upcoming DABO 2025 Conference will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and global partners to chart a new course for the future of pharmacy in Nigeria.

Statistics:

  • Over 8,200 pharmacists have failed to renew their licenses in the last five years, largely due to poor welfare and lack of motivation.
  • The PSN warns that the continued favoritism towards medical doctors threatens unity, efficiency, and quality healthcare delivery.
  • The proposed salary relativity between CONHESS and CONMESS has been criticized as 'unjust, divisive, and inimical to sectoral harmony.'

Sources:

  • The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN)
  • The Federal Government of Nigeria
  • The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN)
  • The Nigerian Academy of Pharmacy
  • The PSN Lagos Branch