Amid ongoing debates about the payment structure for professional services under the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), the Lagos Chapter of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has criticized the current system, urging the NHIA to adopt a model similar to the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) by separating fees for professional services from capitation payments for other primary care services.
Speaking at a press conference held at its corporate office in Ogudu, Lagos, to commemorate this year’s PSN Scientific Week, the ACPN Chairman, Pharm. Tolu Ajayi, argued that the payment system must be simplified to move Nigeria closer to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of Universal Health Coverage, saying the scheme must avoid complicating its payment system, if it is to remain sustainable and effective.
Ajayi, emphasised that direct payments to community pharmacy practitioners, as practised in Lagos, promote greater transparency and accountability, which are essential for the scheme’s efficiency and sustainability. He advocated for this model to be implemented nationwide, arguing that it would eliminate delays and ensure that pharmacists receive timely payments for their services.
“The fees for services rendered by pharmacists should be paid directly to them. When payments are routed through Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), it leaves pharmacists at the mercy of HMOs, who may delay payments,” Ajayi stated. “Financial delays can demoralize service providers, hinder their operations, and prevent them from replenishing their stocks. The solution is for all states and the national scheme to adopt the direct payment model used in Lagos.”
Ajayi also highlighted the need for an improved drug distribution system and called on state governors to replicate the Coordinated Wholesale Centre model established in Kano to combat the distribution of fake drugs.
He urged governors to collaborate with practitioners, investors, regulators, and other stakeholders to establish similar centres across Nigeria. “This initiative would ensure that medications within our patient care value chain are of high standard and quality, leading to better treatment outcomes,” he said.
On collaboration, Ajayi stressed the importance of a strong relationship between professional bodies and the government. “Where we see policies that don’t suit us, we will voice our concerns to the government. This is not out of malice, but out of a passion for improving the system,” he added.
“Currently, 322 community pharmacists are on board with the Ilera Eko Scheme, and I am confident that LASHMA will soon allow more community pharmacists to join.”
Speaking on this year’s PSN Pharmacy Scientific Week with the theme “The Imperative of the March Towards Achieving Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria: The Unique Place of Community Pharmacists” Ajayi said it’s an annual event celebrated by pharmacists and pharmacy students to raise awareness about the role of pharmacists in the healthcare sector and promote the profession.
Also speaking, Pharm. Anthony Bola Oyawole, a former presidential aspirant of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), called for greater recognition of community pharmacists, saying pharmacists are the closest healthcare providers to the public and are used judiciously in advanced countries.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, community pharmacies remained open, providing essential medication even when the rest of the nation was on lockdown. We continue to complement the efforts of the government and hope for stronger partnerships with community pharmacies.”
The ACPN Day of the PSN Scientific Week, featured free health screenings, preventive health talks, free drug samples, health insurance updates, and a lecture on the significance of vaccination. These activities were held concurrently at seven locations across the state, including Sabo Market, Ikorodu; Ajah Market; Iyana Ipaja Market; Ipodo Market, Ikeja; Tejuosho Market, Yaba; Iyana Iba Market, Iba; and New Market, Ajara, Badagry.
Dignitaries present at the press conference included Pharm. Mrs Bolanle Adeniran, former chairman of Lagos PSN; Pharm. Oyekunle Babayemi, chairman of Lagos PSN; Pharm. Taiwo Fakolujo, and Pharm. Mrs Mosun Dosumu, secretary of Lagos ACPN, among others.
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