In a recent open letter addressed to His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on 16th June, 2025, the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has called for immediate action to rectify ongoing imbalances within the Nigerian healthcare and education systems. The letter, signed by Pharm. Ambrose Igwekamma Ezeh, the ACPN National Chairman, expresses deep concern over recent strikes by Physician Lecturers at the University of Calabar (UNICAL) regarding the selection of a Vice-Chancellor.
The ACPN pointed to a troubling trend in which the medical community has wielded significant influence, undermining the roles of other healthcare professionals. “We have witnessed a concerning pattern where Physicians, supported by a culture of intimidation fostered by the Federal Government, routinely exploit strikes to impose their demands in both health and education sectors,” the letter asserts.
The issue follows a similar incident involving the appointment of Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Education Minister, who previously nullified a Vice-Chancellor's appointment at Nnamdi Azikiwe University due to pressure from the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN).
The letter highlights alarming disparities in compensation and professional status between Physicians and other healthcare providers. “Recent information indicates that an average Professor of Medicine in Nigeria earns approximately 1.4 million per month, while highly qualified non-Physician care providers earn less than 700,000. This stark disparity underscores the unequal treatment extended to our capable non-physician colleagues, who are often denied Consultant status,” the ACPN emphasized.
The association also condemned the ineffective management practices within Federal Healthcare Institutions (FHIs), noting that poor leadership and a monopolistic culture among Physicians have led to significant challenges, including frequent power outages and issues in drug procurement. “It is crucial to reevaluate the appointments within the health sector, as including non-physician health professionals in leadership roles would foster a more inclusive and effective system,” the letter stated.
Additionally, the ACPN expressed concern over the negative impact that the deference afforded to Physicians has on the morale of healthcare workers, particularly youth considering the profession. “If the Federal Government continues to permit a privileged group to dominate sectors that should promote inclusivity, national growth and transformation will inevitably falter.”
The ACPN concluded the letter by urging President Tinubu to take decisive action to ensure fair treatment for all healthcare providers and to restore equity within the healthcare system. “The time to act is now, in the interest of the public,” the letter affirmed, highlighting the urgent need for reforms that promote a balanced and collaborative healthcare environment in Nigeria.
This call to action from the ACPN reflects essential ongoing conversations regarding the future of healthcare governance in Nigeria, emphasizing the vital need for equitable representation among all health professionals to advance an effective health system.
