Chijioke Iremeka
Stakeholders in the pharmaceutical sector have tasked the new leadership of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, headed by Ambrose Ezeh, to contribute its quota in finding solution to the challenges facing the sector.
They highlighted several critical areas that require immediate attention, including quackery, excessive regulation, and frequent harassment by police and local government authorities.
The professionals, who spoke with PUNCH Healthwise in different interviews, said quackery within the pharmaceutical sector and others, are the major concerns that his administration should handle headlong.
The pharmacists urged Ezeh to view his role as a significant responsibility, with a focus on enhancing Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector and ensuring that citizens have access to quality medications and exemplary services.
The former President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Olumide Akintayo, who urged Ezeh to build on the achievements of his predecessor, Adewale Oladigbolu, noted that expectations would be high for him (Ezeh).
He emphasised the importance of sustaining the ‘clean initiative’ that Oladigbolu started, encouraging him to focus on fostering a strong and effective collaboration with the government.
This, he said, would ensure that community pharmacists are fully integrated into Nigeria’s Primary Health Care system, highlighting the success of community pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic, when approximately 273 facilities administered 76,000 vaccinations.
Akintayo advocated for a shift from designated immunisation campaigns to routine immunisation.
He added that such a change could have a profound impact on the health system, potentially improving health outcomes and reducing negative health indices such as maternal and child mortality in the country.
According to the former Secretary General of ACPN, Jonah Okotie, the new administration must conduct an assessment to identify the most pressing issues and determine the necessary steps to address them effectively.
Okotie said, “The focus should be on reviewing existing programmes and projects while selecting those that are most relevant and can be implemented successfully.
“The three-year term, while it may seem distant, is relatively short given the rapidly changing circumstances and limited resources.
“This reality necessitates a focused and strategic approach to ensure that the most impactful initiatives are prioritised and executed efficiently.
“The ongoing oversight and interference from various regulatory bodies further exacerbate these issues, complicating efforts and hindering progress. Unfortunately, the gravity of these problems has not made the government declare a national emergency.”
He highlighted that quackery in the healthcare sector continues to cause significant harm, resulting in considerable losses of resources and lives.
According to him, the impact of such practices extends beyond the immediate victims, affecting the broader community and leading to substantial costs for the government.
He urged the media to play a crucial role in raising awareness about these issues, saying that by informing the public and highlighting the dangers associated with unqualified practitioners, the media can foster a more informed and proactive approach to addressing these challenges.
Continuing, he said, “Policy implementation and the review of existing policies are also critical areas of focus. It is essential for the leadership not only to promise reforms but also to work diligently with their teams to ensure these promises are fulfilled.
“Effective policy implementation necessitates a collaborative effort and a commitment to addressing the identified issues in a timely and efficient manner.
“Most importantly, fulfilling campaign promises and tackling the pressing challenges faced by members will require a strategic approach, a clear understanding of current issues, and a commitment to meaningful action.
“With the right focus and determination, it is possible to make significant progress and achieve the desired outcomes within the available time frame,” he added.
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