The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, PSN, has called on the Federal Ministry of Health to speed up the inauguration of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) Council.
Speaking with journalists on the forthcoming PSN 97th Annual National Conference, with the theme: “Ibom 2024,” billed for Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the PSN President, Prof. Cyril Usifoh, said the council, which has been without an active Chairman since February 2024, has crippled a lot of activities.
The President who expressed deep concern over the delay, emphasised its negative impact on the accreditation of training facilities and disciplinary procedures, pharmacy training and, by extension, the quality of healthcare services in Nigeria,”
Prof Usifoh urged the Ministry of Health to collaborate with the Ministry of Justice to expedite waivers that would empower the PCN to enforce the PCN Act 2022 and regulate pharmaceutical practice effectively.
Addressed the pressing challenges faced by public sector pharmacists, including the potential strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), he appealed to the Federal Government to honour existing agreements, particularly those related to the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), and fully implement the Consultant Pharmacist cadre across federal health institutions.
“ There is the need for immediate 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 suspend the Drug Revolving Fund Standard Operating Procedure (DRF SOP) “ Osifoh
The President called for timely negotiations between the government and JOHESU to avert a potential healthcare crisis.
Briefing on the upcoming 97th conference, Osifoh says, “It is to foster collaboration and unity within the pharmacy profession and mark a new chapter with the election of a new president and other NEC members.”
He advised the 68 ESUT graduates to desist from get-rich-quick syndrome adding that it does not present the industry in good light.
Prof.Usifoh expressed gratitude to PSN members for their support and highlighted the achievements made during his tenure.
“ I acknowledged that while challenges persist, the groundwork has been laid for future progress “. He said
The President further expressed gratitude to PSN members for their support, underscoring achievements made in advancing the profession.
“We may not have completely solved all challenges, but we have laid a visible pathway for our successors to follow.” He noted.
By Sherifat Oyediran, Lagos.
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