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
Youths vital in malaria eradication campaign—Organisers
NAN
The organisers of the Geneith Health Competition have reiterated the crucial role of Nigerian youths in the campaign to eradicate malaria across the country.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, the initiator of the competition, Mr. Cletus Ilobanafor, stressed the importance of student engagement in shaping public health policy and raising awareness on malaria prevention.
“As the nation strives towards a malaria-free future, student leaders play a significant role in shaping public health policy and awareness,” he said.
“Your energy, creativity, and dedication are paramount to making this campaign successful,” Ilobanafor added, describing the competition not just as a programme but a movement aimed at transforming Nigeria’s health narrative.
Also speaking, Mr. Emmanuel Umenwa, Chairman of Geneith Pharmaceuticals Ltd. and sponsor of the competition, commended policymakers, stakeholders, and institutional leaders for recognising the fight against malaria as a collective responsibility.
“Together, we can create a formidable front against this disease. The involvement of students is crucial in this fight, as they represent the vibrant and innovative spirit necessary to enact meaningful change,” he said.
The organisers also praised the enthusiasm of Nigerian students from tertiary institutions who, under various student associations, have embraced the project as a vital vehicle for malaria eradication.
They urged students to act as ambassadors within their institutions, working to ensure malaria’s adverse social and health impacts become a relic of the past.
“We regard your participation in this initiative as a powerful step toward a malaria-free Nigeria. By rallying together, you have the potential to make an indelible impact on public health, raising awareness and inspiring action among your peers and communities,” they said.
Providing further insight into the competition, the statement noted that it is powered by Coatal Forte Softgel, a high-strength antimalarial medication targeting acute and uncomplicated malaria caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite.
The initiative, with a vision to reach every corner of Nigeria, seeks to dismantle barriers to health education and access while promoting effective malaria treatment nationwide.
“In addition to raising awareness, the GHC promises to empower Nigerian youths to become influential leaders of tomorrow, fostering a generation equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for public health advocacy,” the statement added.
The competition includes activities such as workshops, health walks, and community outreach programmes, all designed to help students understand malaria prevention strategies while nurturing leadership qualities for long-term impact.
“The Geneith Health Competition stands as a testament to what can be achieved when young Nigerians unite for a common cause,” the organisers said.
Registration for the competition is currently ongoing, and students from tertiary institutions across the country are encouraged to take part and become champions in the fight against malaria.
Interested participants can register at www.geneithhealthcompetition.com.
-
Featured6 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured5 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured4 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports3 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News6 months agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured6 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
