The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has urged the Federal Ministry of Health to expedite the inauguration of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) Council. This call came during a press conference addressing the upcoming PSN 97th Annual National Conference, themed “Ibom 2024,” scheduled to take place in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
PSN President, Prof. Cyril Usifoh, highlighted that the PCN has been without an active chairman since February 2024, resulting in stagnation of critical functions, such as the accreditation of training facilities and disciplinary procedures. He expressed deep concern over this delay, stating, “The absence of a functional PCN has left critical functions in limbo, impacting pharmacy training and, by extension, the quality of healthcare services in Nigeria.”
Usifoh urged the Ministry of Health to collaborate with the Ministry of Justice to expedite necessary waivers that would empower the PCN to enforce the PCN Act 2022 and effectively regulate pharmaceutical practices.
Additionally, Usifoh addressed the pressing issues faced by public sector pharmacists, including the looming threat of a strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU). He appealed to the Federal Government to honor existing agreements, especially regarding the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), and to fully implement the Consultant Pharmacist cadre across federal health institutions.
The PSN President also called for immediate actions, including the implementation of the adjusted CONHESS, enforcement of government circulars mandating the establishment of the Consultant Pharmacist cadre, payment of outstanding wages for workers in professional regulatory councils, and the suspension of the Drug Revolving Fund Standard Operating Procedure (DRF SOP).
Usifoh stressed the importance of timely negotiations between the government and JOHESU to prevent a potential healthcare crisis. He added that the upcoming conference aims to foster collaboration and unity within the pharmacy profession and will mark a significant transition with the election of a new president and other National Executive Council (NEC) members.
In conclusion, Usifoh expressed gratitude to PSN members for their support, emphasizing the achievements made during his tenure. He acknowledged that while challenges persist, a solid foundation has been laid for future progress. “We may not have completely solved all challenges, but we have laid a visible pathway for our successors to follow,” he stated.
