PSN Urges Authorities To Enforce Consultant Cadre Directive Amid Federal Health Institutions’ Disregard

PSN Urges Authorities To Enforce Consultant Cadre Directive Amid Federal Health Institutions’ Disregard

The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) is urging the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) to enforce compliance with the Pharmacists Consultant Cadre directive, which mandates the creation of consultant pharmacist positions in federal and state health institutions…..READ MORE

Despite approval from the National Council on Establishment (NCE) in 2011 and 2021, and subsequent circulars, PSN President Tanko Ibrahim Ayuba highlighted that only a small fraction of Federal Health Institutions (FHIs) have appointed consultant pharmacists, with less than 15% of FHIs adhering to the directive after 15 months.

Ayuba has criticized the actions of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of FHIs, accusing them of deliberately hindering the implementation of the consultant cadre. This resistance undermines the benefits the cadre would bring to Nigeria’s healthcare system, according to Ayuba. He has called for immediate action from the FMoH to enforce the circular and sanction non-compliant FHIs. Additionally, Ayuba raised concerns about the slow adoption of the directive by state governments, with only around ten states complying so far. He specifically pointed to Lagos State, where the directive has been suspended despite earlier approval.

The PSN is also advocating for the reconstitution of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), which remains without a governing council. This lack of governance is seen as a barrier to effective regulation of the pharmaceutical sector, especially in combating the growing issue of counterfeit drugs in Nigeria. Ayuba urged for collaboration between PCN and NAFDAC to address these critical issues.