The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has firmly opposed the establishment of a National Health Facility Regulatory Agency (NHFRA), labeling it a potential threat to the independence of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN).
In a letter addressed to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, signed by PSN President Prof. Cyril Osifoh, the society argued that the proposed NHFRA is redundant. The letter, titled “Request for Appropriate Legal Redress of the Proposed National Health Facility Regulatory Agency (NHFRA),” outlined several concerns.
PSN emphasized the existing regulatory structure, noting that the PCN, established by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (Establishment) Act 2022, effectively regulates all aspects of pharmacy education, training, and practice. They highlighted the PCN’s successful track record in ensuring drug safety, preventing medication errors, and promoting the rational use of medicines.
Addressing concerns about potential medical dominance, PSN expressed fears that the NHFRA could be influenced by the medical profession, exacerbating historical tensions between healthcare professions. They cautioned that this could be a maneuver to place pharmacists under the control of medical doctors.
Referencing international models, PSN acknowledged organizations like the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in the UK and the Joint Commission in the US, which maintain separate regulatory bodies for pharmacy practice. They cited examples such as the General Pharmaceutical Council in the UK and various Pharmacy Regulatory Bodies in the US to advocate for specialized pharmacy regulation.