pharmacy

– Backs JOHESU’s 7-Day Warning Strike

Prof Cyril Usifoh, president, PSN (middle), flanked by Dr Monica Eimunjeze, chairperson, CPC, and Pharm. Madehin Gafar, national secretary, PSN, at the press briefing at the Pharmacy House.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has urged the Federal Ministry of Health to expedite the reconstitution and inauguration of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), stressing that essential regulatory activities have been stalled since the appointment of Pharm. Hajia Wasilat Giwa as chairman-designate on 14 February, 2024.

PSN President, Pharm. (Prof.) Cyril Usifoh, said the delay in formalising Giwa’s appointment has impeded essential regulatory activities, including the accreditation of training institutions and enforcement of disciplinary procedures, saying the absence of an active Council has impacted healthcare standards nationwide, as critical functions remain suspended.

Prof. Usifoh disclosed this in Lagos at a press briefing in preparation for the 97th Annual National Conference of the PSN, tagged “Ibom 2024,” to be held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Themed “Transforming Pharmaceutical Innovation to Facilitate Equitable Healthcare in an Emerging Economy,”

A cross-section of the Conference Planning Committee members and PSN staff with the PSN President, Prof. Cyril Usifoh, at the press briefing.

The PSN President also urged the government to consider issuing a waiver to allow the chairman-designate and statutory council members to address urgent regulatory functions under the PCN Act 2022, including setting up the Investigating Panel and Disciplinary Tribunal.

Speaking on the seven-day warning strike embarked upon by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), Usifoh expressed solidarity with the union, noting that the action could escalate to an indefinite strike if the Federal Government fails to address long-standing issues, including the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) to align with the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).

He highlighted the discontent among healthcare workers over unmet agreements, stating that the current leadership of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity has failed to engage in meaningful dialogue with JOHESU.

He therefore called for proactive negotiations to address key demands, including the implementation of the Consultant Pharmacist cadre in federal health institutions and the suspension of the Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) Standard Operating Procedures deemed unlawful.

Regarding the upcoming conference and its expectations, Usifoh said the keynote address would be delivered by Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the coordinating minister of health and social welfare, who is expected to provide insights on achieving equitable healthcare delivery through innovative pharmaceutical practices.

He underscored the importance of the conference as an election year event, with the election of a new PSN President and National Executive Council members, while assuring attendees that the conference would include sessions aimed at professional development, networking, and knowledge enhancement, with a focus on driving sustainable advancements in Nigeria’s pharmacy profession.

Usifoh expressed optimism about the future of the Society, stating, “We may not have completely solved all the problems bedevilling our profession, but we have created a clear pathway for our successors to guide us towards our goals.”

He reiterated the PSN’s mission to ensure that pharmacists remain integral, respected members of the healthcare community, contributing to improved health outcomes and the overall development of Nigeria, while emphasising the importance of addressing the challenges faced by the healthcare sector to ensure optimal health outcomes for Nigerians.