As a means of establishing a good relationship with legislators in the state, the leadership of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria – Young Pharmacists Group (PSN-YPG) paid a courtesy visit to the Rivers State House of Assembly on Tuesday.
In attendance at the meeting were Honourable Ehie Ogerenye Edison, deputy speaker; Adokiye Uwamekénim Oyagiri, chief of staff, deputy speaker; Honourable Dumle Maol Chairman, house committee on environment; Pharm. Odafe Adhekegba PSN-YPG adviser; Pharm. Lekia Princewill Eli PSN financial secretary; Pharm. Umeka Umoroye Godpower, former coordinator PSN-YPG ; Pharm. Chukwu Chiagozie PraiseGod immediate past coordinator PSN-YPG; Pharm. Elijah Odiniya PSN-YPG committee director; Pharm. Sarah-ella Obene PSN-YPG financial secretary; Pharm. Ellis Clinton Akuroseokika, PSN-YPG secretary and Pharm. Sotonye Harrison, member, PSN-YPG .
Disclosing their mission to the State House of Assembly, Princewill Okitche said they went to congratulate the deputy speaker on his call to bar as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
He appreciated the deputy speaker for accepting to be the keynote speaker of the 6th PSN-YPG conference, themed “Politics and Professionalism: The Young Professional's Plight” which is set to hold on the 16 September, 2021.
The coordinator, on behalf of his members told the deputy speaker that there is a need for the State Ministry of Health to create more internship space in all government hospitals especially at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH).
He also mentioned the need for regional hospitals in order to ensure placements for the increasing number of fresh Rivers Pharmacy graduates seeking to complete their compulsory internship training.
He pleaded with the Rivers State House of Assembly to set up an effective Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) scheme at the state Central Medical Stores (CMS) with direct and adequate budgetary funding in order to reduce the perennial problem of out of stock (O/S) in public hospitals and primary health centres in the state.
“There should be regularisation and employment of qualified consultant pharmacists in the state, in accordance to the recent circular and scheme of service schedules, from the Federal Ministry of Establishments and the Office of Head of Service of the Federation.
“We also call on the state government through this office to assist in closing down open drug markets especially those in Mile1 markets (Sangana Street), Mile 3 market, Creek road market and Rumuokoro market. They are illegal, non-registered and dangerous. We must act fast on this to save lives,” he added.
The PSN-YPG team also pleaded for financial assistance on behalf of an intern of RSUTH, Pharm. Percy Ejimaji, an indigene of Ahoada, Rivers State, who was diagnosed of an ailment and undergoing treatment.
The Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Ehie Ogerenye Edison, in his response, thanked the group for their efforts during and after the lockdown, highlighting their continuous service response role in global healthcare which makes it humanitarian.
He promised to assist and partner anywhere necessary, especially collaborating in the advancement of pharmaceutical research, orientation and awareness programmes. He encouraged them to register as voters, participate in civic and partisan processes that guarantee good and quality leadership.
He promised to set up a date for a joint visit between his office and PSN-YPG Rivers to visit the bedridden intern Pharm. Percy Ejimaji.
The Coordinator on behalf of young pharmacists appreciated his show of love and support towards the growth and development of the group.
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Congralutions to PSN-YPG Rivers for this bold step, it can only get better.