Appoint More Pharmacists as Health Minister, Juli @ 80 Tasks FG

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A former Health Minister and Chairman, Juli Pharmacy Plc, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi on his 80^th birthday, has urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to consider the appointment of more pharmacists as health minister, as no pharmacist has occupied the office ever since he vacated the position.

Juli, who joined the league of octogenarian today 2 August 2020, expressed how lonely he feels being the only pharmacist who has ever occupied the exalted office of the health minister among his colleagues saying it is imperative for government to review its appointment criteria for the position to accommodate more pharmacists.

Speaking in a televised programme Sunday afternoon, the celebrant said: “More pharmacists should be given opportunity to lead the Nigerian health sector. I feel lonely being the only pharmacist to have been appointed health minister, even though it was for a very brief period”.

He therefore charged pharmacists to strategically work towards this by putting the profession in good light, while staying at the fore front of the war against drug abuse in the country.

The octogenarian who spoke on sundry issues relating to his life and Pharmacy, admitted that drug abuse is a fundamental challenge in the country, as he called on governments at all levels to be pragmatic in enforcement of regulation of drug distribution.

While commending the efforts of NAFDAC so far in regulating drugs circulation in the country, he however noted that more is expected of the agency, in order to rid the nation of fake and adulterated drugs, which stands as a major threat in ruining the future of the nation.

Prince Juli also mentioned another feat he achieved in the country by rising through the ranks at the Rotary Club International to become the first District Governor in Nigeria at the age of 40.

He seized the opportunity to motivate young Nigerians to use their talents and skills to effect positive development in the nation, rather than engaging in criminal acts that while spell doom for their future.

Pharmanewsonline reports that it’s been a beehive of activities on ZOOM since 28 July, when the celebration of the 80^th birthday of the Pharmacy Icon commenced.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria Young Pharmacists Group, PSN-YPG, killed the ball rolling with the felicitation of the Pharmacy Giant, followed by the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, then the Great Ife Pharmacy Alumni Association, GIPAA; Rotary Club International; and Monday will be the turn of Pharma Friends to join in the celebration.