The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has called on the Federal Government to adopt a fair and inclusive approach in the administration of the nation’s health sector, stressing that balanced policies across professional lines are essential for harmony, efficiency and quality service delivery.
This call was made during the pre-conference press briefing held on October 14th, 2025, at the PSN National Secretariat in Anthony Village, Lagos, ahead of the Society’s 98th Annual National Conference (DABO 2025), scheduled to take place from November 3rd to 8th, 2025, at Bayero University, Kano.
The PSN, led by its President, Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, expressed concern over recurring signs of imbalance and selective policy implementation within the health system. The Society emphasized that excessive favouritism towards particular professional groups undermines team spirit, weakens institutional integrity, and ultimately affects patient care and outcomes.
According to the PSN, pharmacists and other non-medical health professionals continue to experience structural disadvantages in remuneration, promotion and policy representation. The organization identified this as a major factor driving the migration of skilled personnel abroad. Data from the Society indicate that more than 8,200 pharmacists have failed to renew their licenses in the past five years, with many relocating for better professional opportunities.
The Society also raised concerns over the proposed salary relativity between the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), describing it as an approach that could deepen inequity in the system. It maintained that any deviation from parity-based wage principles would erode morale among other healthcare providers and widen existing professional gaps.
Beyond remuneration, the PSN noted that inclusive policymaking remains central to building a sustainable health system. It urged the Federal Government to integrate pharmacists and allied professionals more strategically into national health planning and reform committees to ensure a multidisciplinary framework for progress.
The Society further questioned the proliferation of Universities of Medicine and Medical Sciences, describing the trend as conceptually restrictive and contrary to the spirit of professional equality. It argued that healthcare delivery requires the combined strength of all disciplines from pharmacy, nursing, laboratory science, physiotherapy and others; and that educational institutions should reflect that inclusivity.
At the briefing, the PSN also announced plans for its upcoming Centenary Celebration (1927–2027), marking a hundred years of pharmaceutical excellence and national service. The milestone, it said will highlight the contributions of pharmacy to Nigeria’s development and its evolving role in advancing healthcare innovation.
The 98th Annual National Conference, themed Pharmacy Forward: Building a Future-Ready Workforce for Performance, Collaboration and Transformation, will bring together policymakers, industry leaders and global health partners to chart new directions for the profession and strengthen collaboration across all healthcare sectors.
Present at the briefing were senior members of the profession, including 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.
