The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has accused the Federal Government of displaying apathy and favouritism in the administration of the nation’s health sector, warning that the continued preferential treatment of medical doctors over other professionals threatens unity, efficiency, and equity in healthcare delivery.
PSN President, Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, made the accusation during a pre-conference press briefing held on October 14, 2025, at the PSN National Secretariat, Anthony Village, Lagos, ahead of the Society’s 98th Annual National Conference (DABO 2025) scheduled to take place from November 3 to 8, 2025, at Bayero University, Kano.
Pharm. Ibrahim urged the Federal Government to end all forms of favouritism in the health sector and create a fair and inclusive environment for all professionals.
“We call on the Federal Government to ensure fairness and equity among all health professionals. There has been too much bias in the management of our health system, and it is time to correct this. Pharmacy and other professions within the health sector deserve the same recognition, consideration, and opportunities to serve,” he said.
He lamented what he described as institutional apathy and lopsidedness in policy implementation, particularly concerning remuneration structures, warning that the proposed salary relativity between the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) could worsen existing inequalities.
“This proposal, if allowed, will further deepen the inequality that already exists in our system. The PSN will resist any attempt to trample on the rights of pharmacists and other health workers who play vital roles in sustaining patient care and national health outcomes,” he said.
The PSN President stressed that the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the Federal Government is based on parity, not relativity, and warned that the PSN and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) would oppose any policy designed to entrench professional imbalance.
Pharm. Ibrahim also raised concerns over the increasing rate of pharmacists migrating abroad, revealing that over 8,200 pharmacists have failed to renew their licenses in the last five years, many of whom have relocated in search of better working conditions.
“The profession is losing talent rapidly. The government must address this exodus in the national interest. We need a system that rewards competence, not connections,” he added.
The PSN President further faulted the Federal Government’s selective approach to healthcare development, noting that pharmacists must be included in national health policy planning and implementation for the country to build a sustainable and efficient system.
He also criticized the recurring establishment of Universities of Medicine/Medical Sciences, describing the trend as discriminatory and unconstitutional.
“The idea of naming new institutions Universities of Medicine is not only misleading but also unconstitutional. It sends the wrong message that medicine is superior to other health professions, which is not true. Every discipline in the health sector is essential to quality healthcare delivery,” he stressed.
On a positive note, Pharm. Ibrahim announced that the Society is preparing for its Centenary Celebration (1927–2027) to commemorate 100 years of contributions to national development. He added that the forthcoming DABO 2025 Conference, themed “Pharmacy Forward: Building a Future-Ready Workforce for Performance, Collaboration and Transformation,” will gather policymakers, industry leaders, and global health partners to redefine the future of pharmacy in Nigeria.
“This conference is not just another event—it is a movement to build a future-ready, collaborative, and impactful pharmacy profession,” he declared.
Also present at the briefing were Pharm. Ezeh Ambrose Igwekamma, National Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), and Pharm. (Sir) Anthony Bola Oyawole, Treasurer of the Nigerian Academy of Pharmacy and former Chairman of the PSN Lagos Branch.
