The Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists of Nigeria (AHAPN), a technical arm of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), has expressed grave concern regarding the recent passage of a bill by the Nigerian Federal House of Representatives aimed at establishing a Regulatory Council for Pharmaceutical Technologists and Pharmacy Technicians.
In a press statement issued by the AHAPN National Chairman, Pharm. Elechi Oyim, the association urged lawmakers to prioritize initiatives that enhance the healthcare system rather than passing divisive legislation. He emphasized, “The House of Representatives should shun divisive actions of passing controversial bills and instead focus on laws that will improve our health indices and promote the health and well-being of Nigerians.”
Oyim outlined specific actions for the House to consider, stating, “They ought to pass resolutions that will enhance the working conditions of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, improve the staffing of pharmaceutical personnel in all public hospitals and health facilities for better pharmaceutical care interventions, as well as encourage pharmacists to reduce drug-related complications associated with drug use to the lowest level.”
He further elaborated on the significance of the pharmacy profession, noting its global recognition as one of the most trusted health professions. “Pharmacy Profession has been globally known as one of the most trusted health professions due to the fact that it engenders a system that produces & handles products classified as poisons, yet the same products are professionally used to save lives,” Oyim stated.
The AHAPN chairman pointed out the extensive educational and training requirements needed to qualify as a pharmacist—highlighting that it takes a minimum of 12 years of dedicated study after secondary school to become a consultant pharmacist in Nigeria. “In Nigeria, it takes a pharmacist about 6 years of undergraduate studies and at least another 4 years of postgraduate residency and fellowship programs, aside from the 2 years spent in pharmacy internship and national youth service to achieve this status,” he explained.
Oyim also articulated concerns regarding the proposed council for pharmacy technicians, emphasizing that their role is to assist pharmacists rather than operate independently. He stated, “Pharmacy Technicians are not legally authorized to act independently outside the direct supervision of the Pharmacists as they do not have such skills, training, or knowledge to function independently.” He underscored that legally authorized pharmacist roles cannot be replicated or diluted by supervisory roles established for technicians.
He expressed apprehension about the potential negative consequences of establishing another regulatory body within the profession. “Nigeria can ill afford to deal with another round of arbitrariness in the name of having a council for a sub-cadre of one profession, especially against the backdrop of the prevalence of charlatans masquerading as patent medicine dealers in the country,” he remarked.
As part of his concerns, Oyim referenced international practices, drawing parallels with the United States, where strict laws govern the dispensing of drugs. “For instance, in the USA, the Omnibus Drug Reconciliation Act mandates that persons obtaining any drug must pass through pharmacists for counseling and drug information to avoid drug-related complications,” he stated, calling for Nigeria to emulate such high standards.
He continued, expressing disbelief at why the House would entertain a bill that duplicates the function of the existing Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN). “Many previous National Assemblies have severally rejected the passage of this highly controversial bill each time some desperados attempt resurrecting it,” Oyim noted.
Moreover, he pointed out the urgent need to address the proliferation of fake and counterfeit drugs in Nigeria. He reiterated that open drug markets pose significant risks, stating, “The rate and incidence of fake and substandard drugs in most open drug markets are so alarming that NAFDAC is struggling to handle it.”
Emphasizing the importance of regulatory measures, Oyim stated, “The Coordinated Drug Distribution Network should be allowed to operate as recommended by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria and Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria.” He warned against the belief that drugs are merely profitable commodities, asserting, “Drugs are in the Exclusive List of the Federal Government and should not be toyed with.”
In closing, Oyim implored lawmakers to reconsider the passage of the controversial bill that threatens to duplicate the functions of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria. “The essence of history is to know where one is & where one is going to. Nigeria is ranking among countries with the worst health indices,” he concluded, urging a stronger commitment to improving the regulatory framework governing the pharmacy profession in Nigeria.
The AHAPN’s stance reflects a broader call within the profession for stronger regulations and higher standards to ensure the safety and well-being of all Nigerians.
