Health
Pharmacists seek end to dominance of doctors in health sector administration
The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in what it described as the “institutionalised marginalisation” of non-physician professionals in Nigeria’s health and education sectors.
The call was made in a public memorandum signed by the National Chairman of the association, Pharm. Ambrose Ezeh, on Thursday.
Ezeh said that the Federal Government was enabling a pattern of physician dominance in key administrative positions by yielding to what he termed the “blackmail tactics” of doctor-led associations including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), and the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).
The association further alleged systemic favouritism towards physicians in appointments to administrative positions such as Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) of Federal Health Institutions (FHIs), Provosts of Colleges of Medicine, and heads of health-focused universities.
The ACPN described the trend as “a thriving culture of blackmail” which it said was detrimental to inter-professional equity and the integrity of public institutions.
The memorandum also highlighted pay disparities between physician-lecturers and their non-physician colleagues, noting that doctors who combine academic and hospital duties often earn nearly double, while non-physicians are denied similar consultant status.
Ezeh also decried what he termed administrative incompetence and abuse of power in hospital governance, citing the example of Specialist Hospital, Irrua, where a senior pharmacist was allegedly removed for challenging improper procurement practices.
The ACPN criticised the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) for allegedly sidelining pharmacists in vaccine distribution planning, despite their role in the successful rollout of COVID-19 vaccines through community pharmacies.
The group also faulted the Federal Ministry of Health for its endorsement of the MEDIPOOL drug procurement initiative, saying it excluded key pharmaceutical stakeholders and called instead for the establishment of a Federal Drug Management Agency to promote transparent and inclusive supply chain practices.
The association concluded by urging the President to issue a directive to end the “outrageously incomprehensible dominance” of physicians in roles unrelated to clinical functions, warning that continued marginalisation of non-physician professionals could deter the youth from pursuing careers in healthcare.
“National growth and development will become stunted if the Federal Government does not wield the big stick. The time to act is now, in the public interest,” the statement said.
The ACPN’s stance adds to growing concerns over inter-professional rivalry and governance challenges within Nigeria’s health and education sectors.
Health
APC Youth Leader, Health Minister, Others Champion “Going Pink Walk” for Breast Cancer Awareness in Abuja
Joel Ajayi
It was a vibrant gathering of energetic young men and women across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Saturday in Abuja, as they joined the “Progress in Pink Walk”, a non-competitive awareness march organized by the All-Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Wing to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The event, themed “Walk for Hope, Walk for Life,” was commenced at The Nest — A Place Where Greatness is Hatched, an over 4 kilometres walk aimed at encouraging early detection, promoting timely medical intervention, and offering hope to those affected by breast cancer.
Leading the walk was the APC National Youth Leader, Dr. Dayo Israel, who has remained consistent in championing initiatives that promote youth empowerment, health consciousness, and community impact.
Over the years, Israel has spearheaded several programs designed to enhance the capacity and wellbeing of young Nigerians.
Globally, October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month — a period dedicated to increasing awareness, encouraging prevention, and supporting those battling the disease. The APC Youth Wing’s initiative aligns with this global campaign, demonstrating the party’s ongoing commitment to public health advocacy and youth-driven change.
Speaking after the walk, an elated Dr. Dayo Israel explained that the initiative was organized to create awareness among women, both young and old, on the importance of knowing their bodies and seeking medical attention early.
“We want women to know their breasts so well that if anything unusual happens, they act quickly.
“Cancer doesn’t occur overnight it develops over time. awareness, and early detection are key to saving lives,” he said.
He added that the walk also sought to promote fitness as a vital component of a healthy lifestyle and to encourage women to adopt positive habits that support their wellbeing and happiness.
In his remarks, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako commended the APC Youth Wing for taking proactive steps to raise awareness about a critical health concern.
“With this step you have taken today, more Nigerians will become aware of the dangers of late detection.
“Unfortunately, eight to nine out of ten breast cancer cases in Nigeria are detected late — a situation we must change through constant awareness and screening,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of prevention, urging Nigerians to take their health seriously through regular check-ups, healthy living, and avoidance of risk factors like smoking.
Also speaking, the President and CEO of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, noted that breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent forms of cancer in Nigeria, accounting for up to 40–50% of all cancer cases.
“Breast cancer remains a major public health challenge. Exercise plays a vital role not only in prevention but also in improving outcomes for people living with cancer and other non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension,” he said.
Prof. Omonisi stressed the need for a community-based response to cancer similar to the national efforts used to combat HIV/AIDS.
“We must involve everyone from schools and youth groups to community organizations to build resilience and eliminate the fear and stigma surrounding cancer,” he added.
He praised the APC Youth Wing for leading the charge, noting that young people, with their creativity and innovation, are uniquely positioned to drive impactful awareness campaigns both online and offline.
The “Progress in Pink Walk” concluded with participants pledging to continue spreading the message of early detection, regular screening, and healthy living underscoring that together, Nigerians can defeat breast cancer through awareness, unity, and action.
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