Health

Pharmacists seek end to dominance of doctors in health sector administration

Published

1 year ago

June 19, 2025

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.

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Health

Football Legends to Light Up Nigeria in NICRAT’s World Soccer Legends Cancer Match

Published

4 weeks ago

September 2, 2026

The Gleamer

By Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is set to witness a football spectacle as some of the world’s greatest football legends converge for the First World Soccer Legends War Against Cancer International Charity Football Match Nigeria 2026.

The star-studded event, backed by the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), is designed to combine football entertainment with a major campaign to raise cancer awareness, promote early detection and mobilise resources for prevention and treatment.

The initiative, themed “Play for Prevention, Score for Life,” was unveiled on Wednesday in Abuja with the official launch of the event logo, kits and a 60-day countdown to the international charity match.

The campaign is expected to feature former international football stars while bringing together cancer advocates, government institutions, corporate organisations, development partners and other stakeholders in a united effort against the disease.

Speaking on behalf of NICRAT Director-General, Prof. Usman Aliyu, Dr Margaret Sawyer said the institute was supporting the initiative because of its potential to take cancer-awareness messages to millions of Nigerians.

She said the campaign would go beyond fundraising by educating Nigerians on cancer prevention, early detection and the need to seek medical attention promptly.

According to her, football offers a unique platform for reaching diverse communities, while the influence of football legends could help deliver important health messages to a wider audience.

Earlier, National Coordinator of the Main Organising Committee (MOC), Mr Jacob Onu, said the event was conceived to transcend the boundaries of sport and evolve into a national and international movement against cancer.

Onu said the participation of former football stars would amplify messages on cancer prevention, screening, treatment, research and support for patients and survivors.

He added that the event would also celebrate life, honour those who had lost their lives to cancer and inspire survivors and people currently battling the disease.

“Together, through football, compassion and collective action, we can win the War Against Cancer,” he said.

Onu called on Nigerians across the 774 local government areas to become ambassadors of the campaign by promoting healthy lifestyles, regular medical checks and early medical intervention.

He also appealed to corporate organisations, philanthropists, international organisations, football stakeholders, media organisations and development partners to support the initiative.

The MOC coordinator commended NICRAT, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), sponsors, partners and other stakeholders for their support.

He assured that the organising committee would deliver an event capable of meeting international standards while creating a lasting legacy in cancer awareness, advocacy, humanitarian support and sports development.

In his goodwill message, President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr. Habu Gumel, expressed concern over the rising global cancer burden and called for sustained action beyond the charity match.

Gumel urged the organisers to extend the campaign beyond Abuja to communities across the 36 states, while calling on governments at all levels to strengthen cancer prevention, screening and treatment.

The NOC president pledged his support for the initiative and encouraged Nigerians to make regular cancer screening and periodic health checks a priority.

Also speaking, Director of Cancer Prevention and Control at NICRAT, Dr Usman Mohammed Waziri, reaffirmed the institute’s determination to ensure that the initiative produces a positive and lasting impact on Nigeria’s cancer-control efforts.

With the 60-day countdown officially underway, organisers said the World Soccer Legends Cancer Match would combine the excitement of football with humanitarian action, using the power and influence of football legends to drive a nationwide campaign against cancer.

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