The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria has urged President Bola Tinubu to take urgent action to address the crisis in Nigeria’s healthcare sector, specifically to prevent the collapse of services in the 57 federal tertiary institutions.

The appeal was made by Babayemi Oyekunle, Lagos State Chairman of PSN, during the organization’s annual event.

He also advised the Minister of Health, Professor Ali Pate, to initiate immediate talks to prevent potential crises, and called on the federal government to expedite the approval and payment of benefits to JOHESU members related to the adjustment of CONHESS.

He stated, “Government must actualise these payments before avoidable strike actions which often disrupt healthcare services in hospitals become a reality yet again.

“The increasing restlessness which has encouraged mobilisation of the various trade unions in JOHESU may be a hurricane too strong to quash as members continue to reflect on failed and broken promises across the entire fabric of successive leadership in the last decade.”

Oyekunle expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Education and Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tanko Sununu, for facilitating the Memorandum of Understanding between the National Board for Technical Education and the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria.

He hailed this development as a significant educational reform, ensuring a unified training methodology for Pharmacy Technicians in Nigeria.

The PSN chairman emphasized that the PCN Act 2022 and Poison and Pharmacy Act Cap 535 LFN 1990 are recognized as two pharmacy statutes in Nigerian law, with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria responsible for regulating pharmacy practice and setting standards for pharmacy technicians and patent medicine vendors.

He noted that Federal High Courts in over 15 states have consistently upheld the PCN’s authority to oversee and regulate pharmacy practice and business, deeming any unauthorized programs as unlawful and illegitimate, as confirmed by the MOU.

“We appreciate the pains of some students and parents who did not reckon with the already stated facts and we solicit that the schools of training offer those who are willing an opportunity to change their courses to other approvable programmes of study.

“For others who graduated with these degrees, they should embrace relevant update programmes which might position them for employment in Pharmaceutical Industrial settings or related vocations.

“Pharmaceutical Technology, it must be said is more of a Postgraduate programme in Pharmacy.”

The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) urged the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) to implement the recently established fellowship program for pharmacy technicians by ensuring their representation on the PCN’s Governing Council.

This, according to the PSN, will enable pharmacists to take the lead in enhancing the professional growth, career prospects, and reputation of pharmacy technicians, ultimately elevating pharmacy practice to its highest potential.

“The PCN must also continue to support Pharmacy Technicians who are willing to upgrade or step up to become Pharmacists to have a seamless experience in Nigeria.”

Professor Cyril Usifoh, President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), congratulated the 38 new Merit Award Winners, emphasizing that they have reached a milestone where exceptional performance and high-quality contributions are expected.

He emphasized the vital role pharmacists play in healthcare and advocated for their recognition as primary healthcare providers, underscoring their significance in the healthcare system.

“Pharmacists play a crucial role in routine vaccinations and the availability of essential drugs in government hospitals,

“We need an enriched drug management agency and public-private partnerships to ensure that our healthcare system can continue to function,” he mentioned.

The Federal Government held a meeting with healthcare workers, represented by the Joint Health Workers Unions (JOHESU), to address key concerns including pay grade adjustments, healthcare workforce issues, outstanding arrears, and timelines for establishing boards at tertiary health institutions.

JOHESU comprises four unions: Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals, Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, and Associated Institutions, and Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities and Associated Institutions.

Wakadaily learnt that, Earlier, JOHESU had written to the Ministries of Labour and Employment, Health and Social Welfare, and Finance, demanding an increase in the Consolidated Health Salary Structure, warning of a potential strike if the government fails to take action.