Candidates vying for the number one citizenship of Nigeria under various political parties have reeled out their plans on how to partner with pharmacists across the country to bring about the much-needed development.
Recall that CEOAFRICA reported earlier that as part of the activities marking the 95thAnnual National Conference of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) held recently in Jos, presidential candidates of the country would be speaking to the pharmacists and the general public on their plan for the health sector.
Declaring the segment of the conference open, the president of the PSN, Pharm. (Prof.) Cyril Odianose Usifoh, explained that the meeting became necessary as the health sector of Nigeria, just as other countries, has been ridiculed by the sudden hit of the COVID-19 pandemic; thus, exposing the weaknesses in the sector, which necessitated such call, going forward.
He further noted that pharmacists are influencers due to the trust and confidence patients repose in them to be able to guide them to the path of safety.
“As pharmacists, we are influencers. The patients trust us. Pharmacists are the most trusted professionals. Because the patients trust us, we can also tell them where they should be…,” he said.
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Nigeria, Mr Peter Obi, while pledging partnership with pharmacists, stated that his administration will ensure that the nation gets to the point of exporting food and pharmaceuticals, as production will increase; he spoke through his campaign director in Plateau state, Dr Nanzing Bako.
The standard-bearer of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who spoke through the party’s governorship aspirant in Plateau state, Dr Nentawe Yilwatda, noted that pharmacists are precise in finding the root of a problem, while narrating a personal experience.
The candidate of the New Nigeria People’s party, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, speaking through the gubernatorial candidate of his party in Plateau state, Pastor (Dr) Alfred Dafwan, vowed that his administration will ensure that medicine is secured and quality drugs made available for all.
The candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, observed that the country, at present, is sick and needs urgent treatment, adding that if pharmacists are not treated right they will be discouraged to work for the health of thenation.
The candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, noted that the demands of pharmacists are not for themselves, instead for the overall wellbeing of the country, promising that his government will work with “the men of honour”.
While appreciating the presidential candidates and representatives who turned up for the event, Prof. Usifoh stressed that the society is apolitical and is willing to work with the eventual winner, while adding that pharmacists and other stakeholders need to know the plans of the aspirants for the health sector to avert possible danger, should there be similar occurrence as the pandemic in future.
High point of the event was the presentation of the Pharmacists’ Charter of Demands to the presidential flagbearers by the PSN president, Prof. Usifoh, who stated that copies of the charter will equally be given to the candidates who could not attend the event.