Aspirin:
1 ❏ potentiates the anticoagulant effect of warfarin
2 ❏ inhibits platelet aggregation
3 ❏ promotes vitamin K synthesis
ONE or MORE of the responses above is (are) correct. Decide which of the responses is
(are) correct. Then choose:
A ❏ if 1, 2 and 3 are correct
B ❏ if 1 and 2 only are correct
C ❏ if 2 and 3 only are correct
D ❏ if 1 only is correct
E ❏ if 3 only is correct
Antispasmodics that could be recommended for irritable bowel
syndrome include:
1 ❏ Colofac
2 ❏ Spasmonal
3 ❏ Fybogel
ONE or MORE of the responses above is (are) correct. Decide which of the responses is
(are) correct. Then choose:
A ❏ if 1, 2 and 3 are correct
B ❏ if 1 and 2 only are correct
C ❏ if 2 and 3 only are correct
D ❏ if 1 only is correct
E ❏ if 3 only is correct
The agents associated with pain and inflammation of a bee sting include:
1 ❏ histamine
2 ❏ apamin
3 ❏ hyaluronidase
ONE or MORE of the responses above is (are) correct. Decide which of the responses is
(are) correct. Then choose:
A ❏ if 1, 2 and 3 are correct
B ❏ if 1 and 2 only are correct
C ❏ if 2 and 3 only are correct
D ❏ if 1 only is correct
E ❏ if 3 only is correct
Capsulitis:
1 ❏ is a disorder affecting the shoulder
2 ❏ may be caused by unaccustomed movement
3 ❏ is an inflammatory process
ONE or MORE of the responses above is (are) correct. Decide which of the responses is
(are) correct. Then choose:
A ❏ if 1, 2 and 3 are correct
B ❏ if 1 and 2 only are correct
C ❏ if 2 and 3 only are correct
D ❏ if 1 only is correct
E ❏ if 3 only is correct
The Federal Government of Nigeria has called on partners to provide more support for the elimination of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs)in Nigeria.
Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole made this call while speaking at the launch of the sight-savers one billion treatment of Neglected Tropical Diseases held in Abuja.
According to a press statement released by the Federal Ministry of Health, the Minister, who was represented by the Director, Public Health, Dr. Evelyn Ngige, said that federal government appreciated the support of the development partners toward elimination of the diseases, he however appealed for more support to scale the fight against the diseases.
Adewole said that sight-savers had been one of the major partners in the control and elimination of NTDs in Nigeria and presently supporting the elimination of NTDs in Kaduna, Zamfara, Kogi, Kwara, Kebbi, Sokoto and Benue.
Prof Adewole said “we are proud to be associated with you as we join you to celebrate the one-billion treatment milestone. We regard commemorating this milestone in Nigeria as an expression of your lasting commitment to ending the NTDs and increasing the health outcomes in Nigeria”
He said that the previous contributions made by sight-severs and other partners in Nigeria had made significant progress in the control, management and elimination of the diseases which led to certification of Nigeria as guinea worm free country and reduction in transmission of onchocerciasis in several states.
The Minister however explained that despite the significant improvement in the treatment coverage, there was still need for mass administration of the Medicines in some states.
“I am using this opportunity to make passionate plea for the scale up of support for NTDs control and elimination, government cannot do this alone”
The Minister noted that apart from those states that were being supported, other states such as Oyo, Ogun, Bayelsa and River states should also benefit from the programme.
“I believe this will increase the tempo of implementing of NTD interventions in Nigeria as well as facilitate our ability to meet global targets for the control and elimination of NTDs” Adewole said.
Earlier, the Country Director, Nigeria and Ghana Sight-savers , Dr. Sunday Isiyaku said that what they did was to provide logistic and Technical support to the states and federal government to ensure that people who needed the treatment got it.
“Most of this treatment happens once in a year but there is a lot of logistics involved in it, we must ensure that we get the drugs and distribute it to the needed countries and the states”
“The diseases should have been eliminated many years ago but were neglected, for instance if we talk of trachoma, making available water is good step in preventing it.”
Dr. Sunday thanked the partners and pharmaceutical companies that provide drugs and donated to the Sight-savers for onward distribution to needed communities.
Examples of enzyme inducers include:
1 ❏ griseofulvin
2 ❏ rifampicin
3 ❏ warfarin
ONE or MORE of the responses above is (are) correct. Decide which of the responses is (are) correct. Then choose:
A ❏ if 1, 2 and 3 are correct
B ❏ if 1 and 2 only are correct
C ❏ if 2 and 3 only are correct
D ❏ if 1 only is correct
E ❏ if 3 only is correct
Contrary to the earlier murder allegation made by the family of a 33 years old electrician, Idris Lasisi, who was found dead in the attic of a pharmacy on Abraham Adesanya Low Cost Housing Estate, Ajah, Lagos State, a post mortem carried out on the body has stated that the deceased died of asphyxia and electrocution.
The report of the test dated 18 December, 2017 and signed by Dr O.O. Kila of the Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, which was signed and stamped by the Ogombo Divisional Police Officer, was sent to our correspondent by the elder brother of the deceased, Abdul-Rahaman Lasisi.
The elder brother explained that the family has accepted the autopsy report in good faith, stressing that they have accepted the death as an act of God. “The relationship between the deceased and the owner of the pharmacy, Adebayo Afon had spanned eight years and throughout the relationship, we have never had any reason to suspect him of any ulterior motive, so we have accepted what happened as an act of God and we have resolved not to press further charges against him.”
According to him, the father of one will be buried as soon as possible, adding that the owner of the pharmacy has promised to render financial assistance to the deceased’ pregnant wife and aged mother.
Phone calls put across to the Divisional Police Officer, Ogombo Division were returned unanswered, but it was gathered as confirmed by the deceased’s elder brother, Abdul Ramon Lasisi that the police had already cleared the owner of the pharmacy, Adebayo Afon, of any wrongdoing.
Also, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Chike Oti, said the case had been resolved. “The doctor said the man died of electrocution, the family is aware of the autopsy report and they are now sure that there was no foul play,” he added.
Recalling what led to the incident, the owner of the pharmacy, Adebayo Afon said he invited the deceased whom he had known for more than eight years to fix an electrical fault at the store where the incident happened on Friday, 8, but he did not come until Saturday, 9. “On Saturday, he came and went to the attic, but workers at the store did not see him come down. They looked around for him and called me when they did not see him. So I told them to check him in the attic. The two workers being a woman and a man with disability on one hand could not climb up. They saw his car in front of the pharmacy with a deflated tyre, so, they thought he was running around to fix the tyre.
“When they were about to close, they called me again, saying they had not seen the man and that the electrical fault had not been fixed. I told them to look for another electrician to go up and check if the man was there. The electrician went up, used a torch to look around, but said he did not see anybody. The store was closed afterwards.”
He added that the shop opened the next day being Sunday for operations and closed after few hours without the workers noticing any strange occurrence. “But by Monday when they wanted to open the shop, they noticed some liquid dropping from the ceiling and strange odour. They called me and I reported at the Ogombo Police Station myself. That was exactly what happened”.
Also speaking, one Mr. Dayo, a resident in the estate said he had known the pharmacy and the owner for years and has no reason to doubt his integrity, adding that what happened was just an accident. “The pharmacy has been with us for years and we have always enjoyed patronising them, so the incident was an act of God, though quite unfortunate and now that the autopsy has debunked the murder allegation made against the owner, we are happy he is vindicated.”
Potentially hazardous interactions could occur between:
1 ❏ ergotamine and zolmitriptan
2 ❏ warfarin and gliclazide
3 ❏ combined oral contraceptives and clindamycin
ONE or MORE of the responses above is (are) correct. Decide which of the responses is
(are) correct. Then choose:
A ❏ if 1, 2 and 3 are correct
B ❏ if 1 and 2 only are correct
C ❏ if 2 and 3 only are correct
D ❏ if 1 only is correct
E ❏ if 3 only is correct
Bacterial conjunctivitis:
1 ❏ is an infectious condition
2 ❏ affects both eyes
3 ❏ is associated with pain
ONE or MORE of the responses above is (are) correct. Decide which of the responses is
(are) correct. Then choose:
A ❏ if 1, 2 and 3 are correct
B ❏ if 1 and 2 only are correct
C ❏ if 2 and 3 only are correct
D ❏ if 1 only is correct
E ❏ if 3 only is correct
Fourteen weeks after the first suspected monkey pox case in the country, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, has reported the first death from the disease. The agency also announced 61 confirmed cases.
According to the situation report for monkey pox outbreak released by the health agency for the epidemiological week 49, on Wednesday, the dead patient was a confirmed case with background immune-compromised condition.
The health agency however said it has deactivated the monkey pox Emergency Operations Centre, EOC, this week.
Response to the disease will henceforth be coordinated by”a technical working group” comprising of all existing response partners.
It added that there has been a decline in the number of new suspected cases reported over the last five weeks.
Since the onset of the outbreak, a total of 172 cases (suspected, confirmed and probable) have been recorded from 22 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Five additional cases and two probable cases have been recorded since the last update, bringing the total confirmed cases to 61 in 14 states.
The first suspected case of the disease was reported in Bayelsa and later reported at neighbouring River State before spreading to other states across the country.
One new suspected case was reported from Adamawa State in the reporting week, while two new confirmed cases were recorded in the reporting week from Bayelsa.
The health agency said though clustering of cases was demonstrated in some instances, there was no known evidence yet of epidemiological linkages across states. It added that only 7 per cent of the current cases in Nigeria have been linked to human to human transmission, including one health worker.
The NCDC said it would continue to coordinate the response to the disease through its EOC.
“To enhance data management and real-time mapping of cases and contacts, the Surveillance and Outbreak Response Management System, SORMAS, app was deployed on November 4, 2017 to the outbreak.
”However, the monkeypox EOC has been deactivated this week and the response will henceforth be coordinated by a technical working group comprising of all existing response partners,” it said.
Statistics from NCDC also showed that men were more infected by the disease as the male to female ratio for confirmed cases is 3:1 and the most affected age group is 21-40 years.
It said the scare of the disease had disrupted immunisation routine across the country.
The minister of health Isaac Adewole had to appeal to Nigerians to continue allowing their children receive immunisation as monkeypox could not be transmitted through immunisation and has no vaccine.
Minister-Health-Professor-Isaac-Adewole
Mr. Adewole had assured that monkeypox could only be transmitted from one person to another. He said human-to-human transmission occurs through respiratory droplets, contact with infected persons or contaminated materials.
Control measures, he said, include isolation of suspected or confirmed cases, strict adherence to universal precautions, especially frequent hand washing with soap and water, and use of personal protective equipment.
Mr. Adewole said signs and symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, body pain, malaise, lymphadenopathy (enlargement of glands), sore throat, and the characteristic generalised vesicular rash. He said rashes might last between two and four weeks.
Premium Times Nigeria
XLR8, one of West Africa’s leading public relations and communications consultancies, emerged winner of the Presidential Award of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, recently.The award of “Best Corporate Public Relations Practitioner of 2017” was bestowed on the organization.
In his citation for XLR8, Dr. Rotimi Oladele, president of the institute and chairman of its Council, commended the “finesse and strategic rigour that have come to define the company’s craft”, adding that it is no surprise that XLR8’s interventions typically deliver the desired outcomes for its clients, time after time.
Chief Executive Officer of XLR8, Pharm.Calixthus Okoruwa, expressed his appreciation to NIPR for the recognition. “We are humbled and overwhelmed by this recognition coming from the apex guardian of professionalism in the public relations and communications management sector,” he stated, adding that it would inspire XLR8 to rededicate itself to excellence in every facet of its operations.
XLR8 has in the course of the 13 years since its establishment, expanded very rapidly in the marketing communications consulting space in Nigeria by proving itself an invaluable ally and trusted advisor to several leading brands and organisations across different sectors. It currently consults for leading multinationals in the banking and financial services sector, technology and telecommunications, sports and entertainment as well as fast moving consumer goods.
Pharm.Okoruwa was inducted into the Fellowship of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy, last September.
Persantin Retard is an:
A ❏ anticoagulant
B ❏ antiplatelet
C ❏ analgesic
D ❏ antihypertensive
E ❏ anti-arrhythmic drug
Vanguard Pharmacy, one of the largest retail outlet and fastest growing retail chain in Nigeria has opened up a new branch in the interior of Osogbo, Osun State capital.
The unveiling ceremony which was well attended by pharmacists, doctors, government functionaries, friends and a considerable number of residents in the community took place on 3 December 2017.
Speaking with Pharmanews, Pharm. Odukoya Taofik Oladipupo, founder and ceo, Vanguard Pharmacy Limited described the opening of his fourth branch as part of the company’s expansion policy.According to him, multi branching has been Vanguard’s long term strategic plan.
“We are not only excited in opening more branches but fulfilling our vision in transforming Vanguard Pharmacy. This can only be achieved through efficient and innovative delivery of quality products and services that benefits the general public. And we remain passionate in achieving this vision,” he said.
While fielding questions from journalists, Odukoya remarked that running a retail chain like Vanguard in Nigeria poses great challenges to pharmacists.
One of such challenges is investment in technology. Another is adoption of right internal processes and procedures necessary for the business to deliver.
“However it is these challenges that make retail business interesting for us as we have adopted the international standard of how an organised retail business should be run.
For us, we understand the importance of information technology thus giving us leverage of monitoring our products, services, sales figures, clients’ data and other key performance indicators,” he stressed.
Odukoya, winner of Pfizer’s Award of Excellence and Pharmalliance Inspiration Award, extended his appreciation to the Ata-oja of Osogbo and the entire people in the state capital who trooped out in their hundreds to make the Vanguard brand an instant success in the state capital.
In a related development, Mrs. Kawthar Bolajoko Odukoya, executive director, Vanguard Pharmacy has promised the people of Osogbo that the brand will continue to lead in the customer service excellence that is known for in the last 12 years.
She added that the pharmacy will continue to live up to her brand value and culture of excellence.
In her words, “Truly the brand Vanguard Pharmacy, one of the largest retail pharmacy, supermarket and veterinary chain stores in South West, is heading to her long term vision of becoming an African Multinational Retail Chain.”
In attendance were Olori Adedoyin Oyetunji, the Ataoja of Osogbo; Alhaja Sekinat Temilade, Osogbo West LCDA chairperson; Alhaji Kayode Aliu Afolabi, Permanent secretary, Local Government Staff Pension Bureau, Osun State; Pharm. Sumonu Tiamiyu Olasunkanmi, Chairman, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN Osun branch); Pharm. Omoniyi Micheal Ayodeji, State ACPN Chairman.
Others included Alhaji Ademola Odukoya, Aare Balogun Adinni of Mowe Land; Alhaji Odumesi Obalola; Founder/CEO Roadmech Limited, Alhaji Odukoya Oyebola Akeem; Founder Mimbar Children School Ibadan, Barrister Wale Akinlabi; Vice Principal (Admin) Kunike International School, Mr. Oladipupo B.A and Alhaji (Pharm) Rahaman Amidu Oyewole, Founder of Goodall Pharmacy Limited amongst others.
Worried by the prevalence of illegal drug production in the country, the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has compelled Nigerians to expose the shady deals of those involved in such acts, in line with the whistle blowing policy of the Federal Government.
The newly appointed NAFDAC director general, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, made the call on Monday, urging citizens to collaborate with the agency to rid the country of such unlawful and dishonest acts, as well as to put a stop gap to sudden deaths attributed to the sharp practice.
Her words: “We are calling on the public to blow the whistle whenever they discover any form of illegal manufacturing or production of drugs within their vicinity. We will ensure utmost confidentiality”, she said at an event in Lagos on Monday according to Daily Post.
“Blow the whistle; most of these illegal production of drugs are done in the night,” she noted. Prof. Adeyeye who was represented by Abayomi Bolaji, a deputy director at the agency, explained how lack of manpower had prevented the agency’s representatives from going round the nooks and crannies of the country, to stop the activities of evil men involved in the circulation of fake drugs and abuse.
“One of the greatest challenges of the agency is shortage of manpower because Nigeria is a large and complex country, and its little manpower cannot be everywhere.
Lamenting the effects of counterfeit drugs to the society, she said it poses a public health hazard, waste consumers’ income and reduce incentives to engage in research, development and innovation.
“The result of the use of fake drugs can be poisoning, treatment failure, untreated disease and death. The magnitude of drug counterfeiting was much and required strong and sustained actions from governments, the industry and consumers.
“The agency has engaged in capacity building of its staff, reviewed NAFDAC laws and applied cutting-edge technologies to tackle drug counterfeiting,” she said.
In a related development, the Senate Roundtable on Drugs Abuse Epidemic in Nigeria, organised by the Nigerian Senate, was held in Kano.
The President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, had expressed worry over the recurrent trend of drug abuse in the country and vowed that government would tackle the menace from its roots by going after importers and distributors of drugs.
Ceftazidime:
1 ❏ is a ‘third-generation’ cephalosporin antibacterial
2 ❏ is more active than cefuroxime against Gram-positive bacteria
3 ❏ is available as tablets and injections
ONE or MORE of the responses is (are) correct. Decide which of the responses is
(are) correct. Then choose:
A ❏ if 1, 2 and 3 are correct
B ❏ if 1 and 2 only are correct
C ❏ if 2 and 3 only are correct
D ❏ if 1 only is correct
E ❏ if 3 only is correct
Following the agreement reached by the Federal Government and the management of May & Baker Plc, on 31 May 2017, to revamp the moribund Federal Vaccine Production Laboratory (FVPL) in Yaba now Biovaccine Nigeria Limited, for the purpose of resuming vaccine production which had stopped for years, the Managing Director/CEO, May & Baker Plc, Mr. Nnamdi Okafor has disclosed that the Yellow Fever vaccine will be ready by 2021.
Okafor, who spoke with the press at a Media parley in the company, noted that the initial plans of reactivating the technology used by FVPL for the production of vaccines previously, will no longer work, as the appraisal report of experts appointed for the evaluation of the project, stated that the Yellow Fever vaccine production by Biovaccine Nigeria Limited will have to be started afresh.
His words: “We had initially announced that within two years of signing the agreement, with the premise of working from Yaba Laboratory, we are going to produce our first product. However since that agreement was signed, we did not wait for the board to be inaugurated, we have already started work. We had appointed some partners working with us already. We have sent them to Yaba Laboratory and they have done a thorough appraisal of the present situation, so the outcome of their assessment is that we cannot reactivate the technology used for the production of Yellow Fever vaccine. Thus, we are going to start afresh”.
The May & Baker boss however noted that while processing is ongoing for the Yellow Fever vaccine production, Biovaccine staff will undertake the production of other products that are of equal importance to the EPI programme for the benefits of the masses.
“We are looking at being able to formulate, fill, finish and release the first set of products in the next three years. By 2021, we should be able to have the first products. But before then, Biovaccine will be functioning in distribution and marketing capacity. We are going to be engaged in the registration of some vaccines, and marketing them not on our agreement with FG, but on the initiative of Biovaccine staff to generate revenue pending when Biovaccine starts producing,” he emphasised.
Okafor who highlighted the achievements of the company for the outgoing year, said May & Baker Plc has performed better this year, with the company’s shares price ranking highest in terms of value appreciation in the entire market, by mid-year, following the announcement of the vaccine production.
He further stated that the organisation was able to introduce a couple of new products, for the maximum benefits of the Nigerian populace, with an expanded vision to be the top healthcare brand in Sub-Saharan Africa in the next five years.
The media get-to-get was well attended by correspondents of national dailies and executive directors and managers of May & Baker Plc.
When administering cisplatin powder for injection:
1 ❏ it should be reconstituted with water for injection
2 ❏ it should be given over 6–8 h
3 ❏ the infusion fluid used is Ringer’s solution
ONE or MORE of the responses is (are) correct. Decide which of the responses is
(are) correct. Then choose:
A ❏ if 1, 2 and 3 are correct
B ❏ if 1 and 2 only are correct
C ❏ if 2 and 3 only are correct
D ❏ if 1 only is correct
E ❏ if 3 only is correct
In what many have described as unprecedented, the Bayelsa State government has engaged the services of 15 more pharmacists into the state’s hospital management board.
The appointment, which was announced recently, was greeted with jubilation by pharmacists in the state.
Speaking with Pharmanews, Pharm. Alek Okunbriowei, director of pharmaceutical services (DPS), Bayelsa Ministry of Health, remarked that the appointment was a welcome development, given the fact that the last time any pharmacist was employed into the state civil service (before the emergence of Governor Seriake Dickson as governor in 2012) was in 2005.
“The good news is that this governor, prior to the recent appointment, had earlier employed four more pharmacists between 2015 and 2016,” he noted.
Giving a brief background to the appointment, Okunbriowei explained that following the construction of the Bayelsa State Drug Distribution Centre, there was need to employ more pharmacists, since some older ones had retired and some others had left the system.
The 15 latest addition brings the total number of pharmacists in Bayelsa Civil Service to 30.
The Bayelsa State DPS further stated that the ‘restoration government’ of Dickson had so far proven to be a listening one.
“There are plans to build a modern and befitting central medical store in the state. This is presently captured in the 2018 budget proposal and the governor has given a nod to this project.
“The government is also currently building five referral hospitals in five local government areas which are in different stages of completion. Once they are ready, I am only hopeful it will create room for more pharmacists to be engaged,” he enthused.
While charging the media, especially Pharmanews, to delve deeper into health and pharmacy-related activities in states like Bayelsa, Okunbriowei, who joined the state’s hospitals management board about 20 years ago, declared that pharmacy-related activities in the state were grossly under-reported.
“Thank God, we still have a vibrant PSN branch which is poised to reposition the face of Pharmacy in Bayelsa and has been doing so creditably well,” he said.
Buttressing this view, Pharm. Tamaraotare Owota Johnson, managing director, Bayelsa State Drug Distribution Company Limited (BSDDC), noted that with the recent developments in the state, Dickson had justified the faith the people had in his restorative government.
“I am using this medium to commend his effort. I believe that the recent appointment will go a long way in boosting the confidence of pharmacists in Bayelsa State Civil Service and in pharmacy practice in general,” she stressed.
In a related development, Prof. Ebitimitula Etebu, Bayelsa State commissioner for health, has declared that Dickson’s government has employed far more pharmacists than any other government since the creation of Bayelsa State on 1 October, 1996.
Explaining further, the commissioner said that when he came on board, he observed the dearth of pharmacists in the service and promised the people he was going to do something about it.
“I want to give kudos to the state governor for graciously approving this appointment. I think he is pharmacy-friendly. As for me in my position as a commissioner for health, I have no qualms about such action.
On the palpable fear that the newly appointed pharmacists risk being owed salaries, the commissioner debunked such apprehension, stating that the new appointees had nothing to fear.
“No, they will not be owed. The government has put in place mechanisms that will ensure that the whole thing is seamless. It is not going to affect anybody in terms of salaries and all that. Salaries will definitely be paid on time,” he reassured.
– As Sanda fetes ‘Mama Health Insurance’ at 80
Dr Umar Sanda, president of Healthcare Providers Association of Nigeria (HCPAN), has called on the leadership of National Health Insurance Scheme to sanction defaulting members and health management organisations (HMOs).
Rising from the association’s 13th annual general meeting (AGM) held at Sickle Cell Foundation Centre, Idi Araba, Lagos on 14 December, 2017, Sanda explained that providers were displeased that what was meant to be pre-paid capitation was gradually metamorphosing into post-paid which contravened the NHIS Act.
“HCPAN therefore solicits that, as earlier done when the scheme first started, HMOs should be paid quarterly for it to trickle down to providers. This ought to be the way to go. We also appeal that oversight functions, which include monitoring of both HMOs and providers, be implemented by the NHIS. Anybody found wanting in this regard should be sanctioned,” he stated.
Sanda further noted that since it was in nobody’s interest for the health insurance scheme to fail, all stakeholders, particularly HMCAN and HCPAN, must be in constant dialogue.
“Let us resuscitate both the bilateral and tripartite meetings and find solutions. Already, we have a directory of providers all over the federation. It will go a long way to assist all stakeholders, including the general public. Although we have many hurdles to cross in achieving a team, it is surmountable with open attitude and feeling of mutual respect,” he stressed.
The HCPAN president equally made a clarion call on the executive and the legislative arms of both state and federal governments to find solution to the slow pace of health insurance in Nigeria.
According to him, the economic security of the country was being frustrated by lack of access to good health.
In a related development, the immediate past president of HCPAN, Princess (Dr) Adenike Olaniba, popularly called ‘Mama Health Insurance’, has charged all health professionals to work together towards a health system that Nigerians will be proud of.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of an award plaque and a birthday cake to Mama Health Insurance, shortly before the AGM. Another award recipient at the event was Pharm. Lere Baale, director, Business School, Netherlands, who also doubled as the keynote speaker.
In attendance at the event were Dr Anthony Omolola, immediate past president, Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPMPN); Pharm. Peter Iliya, director of public relations, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN); Dr Aina Ademola, chairman, Lagos HCPAN; Dr Ebijuwa Awala, representing NHIS acting executive secretary; and Akujuobi Igwe, HCPAN national financial secretary.
NAPPSA President, Leo Egbujiobi, has announced an update on the Special Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm. D) Conversion Programme, initiated by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) and domiciled in the University of Benin (UNIBEN). This special fast-track Pharm. D programme is the collaborative effort of UNIBEN, PCN and NAPPSA. The programme is time-bound and will only be offered twice. Thereafter, it will be terminated.
He noted that the curriculum consists of three modules, while MODULE III, which is entirely a preceptor/hospital based/ambulatory care/community externship clinical training, will be handled by specialists from USA chosen by NAPPSA. He said the Chair of NAPPSA Education Committee, Dr. Teresa Pounds, is the coordinator of this module, and has been working tirelessly in this regard. Therefore, NAPPSA is in need of qualified preceptor/facilitators to assist in the clinical training of the students for MODULE III. NAPPSA members are preferred but not required.
According to him:”This portion of the curriculum is designed to provide the opportunity for students to have direct patient contact and associated pharmacy experiences. The three areas of focus for this portion of training will be in the following pharmacy settings: hospital (acute care), ambulatory care and community. In general, MODULE III will occur at University of Ibadan and the University of Jos. The potential dates are June & August 2018 and June & August 2019.The duration of the programme (including travel days) will be 7-10 days”.
Preferred Criteria for Resource People/Facilitators are:
At least 1-year post-graduate pharmacy residency training (PGY-1) or 3 years of experience in area of specialty (Board certification in area of expertise is highly encouraged).
Acute care, ambulatory care, community.
Actively precepting students in area of expertise.
Have teaching experience in the health sciences (Pharmacy/Medical/Nursing School) and a full-time academic appointment at a university (Exception if hold an administrative experiential role for university).
Specialty training in acute care, ambulatory care or community settings preferred.
Actively practicing in area of expertise
If interested please send the following to cmayes@nappsa.org: By February 5, 2018
Despite the prevalence of heart failure and other related problems, the Nigerian populace are largely ignorant of this scourge and the financial burden people with this condition are subject to. A Heart Failure awareness event supported by Novartis in November, 2017 in a bid to sensitize the public about Heart Failure and its effect on the society, was attended by top cardiologists and representatives of various media houses. It was a platform organized to educate the public on heart failure and ways of managing the condition, bringing hope to Nigerians.
Answering questions about a possible cure, Consultant Cardiologits, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Prof. Amam Mbakwem stressed that there is no cure for heart failure and people were better off taking proper care of themselves, avoiding the occurrence all together. She however pointed out that all hope was not lost as drugs could be used to manage the condition, at the same time commenting on the high cost of treatment.
With improvement in technology, severe cases of heart failure can be managed by the introduction of machines with functional similarities to the heart, pumping blood, keeping the patient alive.
A cross section of journalists and representatives of Media & Digital houses at the Heart failure awareness event supported by Novartis . Photos by: BMedia TV
A significant clinical interaction may occur if St John’s wort is administered concomitantly with:
A ❏ gliclazide
B ❏ simvastatin
C ❏ sertraline
D ❏ amoxicillin
E ❏ salbutamol
Medical science has recently discovered one way we age biologically. Nutrition experts have found out that advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are responsible for speeding up the ageing process. The body forms AGEs and we also consume them in certain foods.
When the quantity of AGEs in the body gets high, they can cause wrinkles, sagging skin, kidney and nervous system damage, clogged arteries, diabetes, cataracts, inflammation and other age-related diseases, and eventually, death.
Basal cell carcinoma:
A ❏ forms metastases rapidly
B ❏ arises from a mole
C ❏ may occur in scar tissue
D ❏ general malaise is the presenting symptom
E ❏ is associated with poor prognosis
May & Baker Nigeria has been declared winner of the Guardian Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Company of the year 2017.
Following the pronouncement by the management of The Guardian Newspaper, some partners of May & Baker have congratulated the organisation on the feat, describing it as a honour well deserved, while urging the management of May & Baker to continue to set the standard for pharmaceutical production.
The management and staff of Pharmanews Ltd, heartily felicitate with May & Baker Nigeria, on this great achievement.
Diabetic retinopathy:
A ❏ is reversible changes in the lens shape
B ❏ indicates long-standing uncontrolled diabetes
C ❏ presents with impaired drainage of the aqueous humour
D ❏ is an example of corneal injury
E ❏ is characterised by proteolytic enzymes affecting the lens
The professional rivalry in the Nigerian health sector is threatening to boil over as other unions in the sector have accused the ministry of showing blatant favouritism to medical doctors, and have passed a vote of no confidence on the minister, Isaac Adewole.
In a press statement on Monday, the Joint Health Sector Union and Assembly of Health Care Professionals, JOHESU/AHPA, demanded a restructuring of the ministry to accommodate allied health professionals in the political leadership of the sector.
The association comprises all health workers in the hospital aside medical doctors. They include pharmacists, laboratory technologists and nurses.
They accused Mr. Adewole, who is a professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, who is also a medical doctor, of unwillingness to address the grievances of other professionals in the Nigerian health system.
The unions asked the federal government to restructure appointments at the ministry to balance the interests of allied professionals.
According to JOHESU/AHPA, the plight of their members had been further worsened by the appointment of Amina Shamaki, who is also a medical doctor, as the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health.
They said this means that the Minister, the Minister of State, Osagie Ehanire; and the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Health, as well as the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr. Ngige who is meant to be a mediator on workers plights; are all medical doctors and have been biased to members of their profession.
Olusegun Sotiloye, Chairman, University College Hospital, UCH, JOHESU chapter, who is also the Deputy President South, Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals, told PREMIUM TIMES that the union was forced to pass a vote of no confidence on the leadership of Prof. Adewole because he had shown himself to be the minister of Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, and not that of the entire health sector.
“As far as he (the minister) is concerned, it is only the medical practitioners that are in the Ministry of Health, so that is why we are passing a vote of no confidence on him,” he said.
“The last time we had a good Minister of Health was in the time of Eyitayo Lambo. Since Lambo, all the other ones are jokers. What is happening now in the health sector was what happened during the tenures of Prof. Chukwu Onyebuchi and Prof.Olikoye Ransome-Kuti.”
Prof. Lambo, who was Minister of Health under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, is a professor of Health Economics.
Decrying the alleged discrimination by the ministers, he said Prof. Adewole has refused to implement subsisting court judgements because they did not favour the interest of medical doctors.
“We want Adewole to see Ministry of Health as a ministry that has so many professionals practising and he should make it a level playing ground for all practitioners, treat every professional as a partner in the healthcare delivery system in the country.
“Eyitayo called a Health Summit and everybody came to the roundtable. He heard everybody and proffered solution and was implementing it, that is why there was no strike in the health sector during his tenure. Apart from having listening ears, he was fair to everybody. But subsequent ones have been doing the opposite”, Mr. Sotiloye alleged.
“That is why we are advocating that if one of the minister is from NMA, the other should be from the allied health professionals so there will be balance. That is why we are saying the Ministry of Health should be overhauled, it needs restructuring the way we are clamouring for restructuring in the country.”
There is a long-standing bitter rivalry among doctors and other health workers in the Nigerian secondary and tertiary hospitals, which has often degenerated to more pains for patients.
Source: www.premiumtimesng.com
As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to celebrate the Universal Health Coverage Day 2017, United Nations has called on all countries to make quality healthcare available and accessible to all citizens, as health is considered as a human right.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) through a press release, noted that Universal Health Coverage Day, is commemorated each 12 December, and it is the anniversary of the first unanimous United Nations resolution calling for countries to provide affordable, quality healthcare to every person, everywhere.
Demanding corresponding action from every country, the statement reads in part: “We have a long way to go until everyone—no matter who they are, where they live, or how much money they have—can get the quality healthcare they need and deserve”.
The WHO Director General, Dr Tedros, said, “I envision a world in which everyone can live healthy, productive lives, regardless of who they are or where they live”.
Among several activities planned to mark the UHC Day around the world, is the historic UHC Forum in Tokyo from 12-15 December to galvanize collective action toward #HealthforAll. The forum is hosted by the Government of Japan, World Bank, World Health Organization, UNICEF, UHC2030 and JICA
The commemoration of the UHD Day in Nigeria is themed: “Financing Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria”, holding at the Rock View Hotal, Wuse II, Abuja.
UHC is a means to promote the human right to health, and countries of all income levels are pursuing policy reforms to achieve it. More than 100 low- and middle-income countries, home to almost 3/4 of the world’s population, have taken steps to deliver UHC.
The emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS)—representing almost half the world’s population—are all taking steps toward UHC.
Zanamivir:
A ❏ reduces replication of influenza A and B viruses
B ❏ reduces duration of influenza symptoms by 3 days
C ❏ is licensed for prophylaxis of influenza
D ❏ is available as capsules
E ❏ is licensed for use within 72 h of the first symptoms
No fewer than 2,000 widows have benefited from The Roses Ministry ‘s free health screening and donations of food items, clothing materials and drugs, at the 2017 Annual Widows Day programme, organised by The Roses Ministry, a faith-based non-governmental organisation aimed at alleviating the plights of widows, orphans and vulnerable persons in the society.
The programme, held at the Gymnastic Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, with the theme “Made for God’s Pleasure” , had in attendance, top personalities including, Sir. Nnamdi Obi, managing director, Embassy Pharmaceuticals, who was the chairman of the event; Hon. Justice Rose Udeme, retired chief judge of the Federal High Court, who was the keynote speaker among others.
Speaking on how she came up with the vision to start the ministry, the coordinator, Pharm. Regina Ezenwa said the ministry was the result of a divine call she received, adding that, since inception, it had indeed come a long way as the initiative now has several children on scholarship, out of whom six had graduated, saying the figure would have increased to ten by next year.
“We have made it a duty to provide assistance as well as restore the dignity of life, especially for vulnerable widows. So we have as part of our programmes to train at least a child per indigent widow. Presently, we have six graduates, with four of them awaiting NYSC, two awaiting results and several applications awaiting sponsors”.
On the reason for giving out free drugs to those who needed them, she said, “We don’t want anybody to die from lack of drugs. You can even ask those around if anybody paid for her drugs. No! Besides, all the pharmacists you see dispensing drugs here today are volunteers residing or running their stores in Surulere. They even came with free drugs to show solidarity and identify with the programme,” she noted.
She explained further that at the inception of the Widows Programme , some years back, about 50 widows were in attendance, saying in subsequent years, the number grew to about 100; but by 2016, the number had increased to 1000, which eventually has doubled by this year.
She said the number keeps rising because virtually all the women were coming along with fellow widows who had not heard of the ministry through ‘word of mouth.’
“We have empowered the youths through seminars and Bible counseling. Some orphanage homes have also benefited from the Foundation‘s largesse. The ministry will continue to work towards its goal of bringing succor and healing to the homes of these widows, while restoring broken marriages and relationships,” she said.
The programme featured praise and worship, drama, free medical attention, counseling and giving out of relief materials, ranging from Bibles, Ankara fabrics, bags of rice, drinks, to tomato pastes, loaves of bread, vegetable oil, toiletries and drugs to the widows.
Among the dignitaries who attended the event were Wole Olufon, international director, Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International (FGBMFI); Lady Olusola Fasanmi; Ven. Igien Isemede; Barr. (Mrs) Ijeoma Chuks-Okoye, trustee, The Roses Ministry; Engr Obidi Ezenwa, trustee, The Roses Ministry; Mrs. Stella Kragha, trustee, The Roses Ministry
Others were Engr. Chikwelu Ezenwa, a telecom expert; Lady Ann Okechukwu, staff, The Roses Ministry; Mrs Grace Oji, trustee, The Roses Ministry and Mr. Emeka Anyaegbuna, among others.
Distinguished pharmacists under the umbrella of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAPharm) warmly received the new Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Christianah Mojisola Adeyeye, at the Business School Netherlands, Ikeja, on 6th December.
Prof. Adeyeye, who is also a Fellow of the Academy, expressed great delight with the opportunity to share ideas with individuals and various representatives of the profession and pharmaceutical industry. She disclosed that she had already embarked on restructuring of the agency and had already moved round six directors.
According to her, she is impatient with mediocrity. She promised to tackle alleged corruption in the system and establish stronger relationship with the Food & Drugs Administration (FDA) of USA.
She also pledged to immediately reduce delays in the registration of products and equip the laboratories.
In his welcome address, the President of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, OFR, mni, said the appointment of Prof. Adeyeye as the Director General was the best decision by the Federal Government of Nigeria and assured her of the cooperation of all pharmacists collectively and individually.
The President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai, emphasised the need for tackling the open drug markets in Onitsha, Aba and Kano, in particular. He insisted that the National Drug Distribution Guidelines (NDDG) should be implemented by January 2019 as scheduled by the Government.
The meeting which was attended by Fellows of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy and representatives of different interest groups and technical sections of the PSN received several comments and suggestions.
Among those present were Pharm. Ifeanyi Atueyi, vice president of NAPharm; Prof. Fola Tayo, general secretary of NAPharm; Pharm. Paul Enebeli; Pharm. Elijah Mohammed, PCN registrar; Pharm. Nnamdi Obi, president of APIN; Pharm. Lekan Asuni, chairman of NIROPharm; Pharm. Ignatius Anukwu, chairman of NAIP; Pharm. Clare Omatseye, president, Healthcare Federation of Nigeria; and Pharm. ‘Lere Baale.
Others include Dr Monica Eimunjeze, NAFDAC; Pharm. Ike Onyechi, treasurer, NAPharm; Prof. Cecilia Igwilo; Pharm. Calixthus Okoruwa; Dr Lolu Ojo; William Effiok, NAFDAC; and Christiana Obiazikwor of NAFDAC.
Leflunomide:
A ❏ its therapeutic effect starts after 4–6 weeks
B ❏ is given as an initial dose of 7.5 mg
C ❏ is administered once a week
D ❏ is available only for parenteral administration
E ❏ no washout procedures are required when changing to
another product
Wife of the Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, has lauded the contributions of Livewell Initiative (LWI) and its subsidiary, Women in Hepatitis Africa (WIHA), for their efforts towards eliminating viral hepatitis in the country through advocacy, screening, vaccination and empowerment of women and children, noting that the different types of hepatitis cause more than one million death annually.
Mrs. Ambode, was represented by Mrs. Oladunni Ogunbanwo, head of publicity, office of the first lady, at the inauguration of Women in Hepatitis Africa (WIHA) Regional Conference, held at Protea Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. She however admitted that the challenge of eradicating the disease has remained a tall order for mankind, adding that the global search for strategies to subdue the scourge, especially in women and children has necessitated the conference.
According to the First Lady, the effort put in place by the Livewell Initiative and Women in Hepatitis Africa, by taking up the challenge to confront the scourge through mass awareness, enlightenment and public education to save as many women and children as possible, has paid off with positive impact on almost two million Nigerians with health literacy and empowerment.
Speaking further, Mrs. Ambode, who was the guest of honour at the two-day event, also advised participants to show more interest in knowing their health status, saying some types of hepatitis are preventable, while some are treatable with proper medications. Hence the need for people to be well enlightened about the disease.
“In preventing hepatitis, it is instructive from the awareness we have had overtime that we must observe a healthy lifestyle, by moderating alcohol consumption, taking healthy diet, engaging in physical activities, encouraging weight loss and immunization among others. So, what is important is early knowledge of our health status as early management of hepatitis or any other disease is very important”, she remarked.
Commending LWI and WIHA for networking with groups across the continent, to tackle the dreaded disease, saying the effort has got them a well-deserved mention by the United Nations and as well recognition from home and abroad.
Earlier, in her welcome address, the Vice President, Livewell Initiative (LWI), and founder, Women in Hepatitis Africa (WIHA), Pharm. (Mrs) Bisi Bright, noted that the group was launched April this year with a vision to eliminate viral hepatitis in Africa by the year 2030, through advocacy, screening, vaccination and empowerment, saying it shared same vision with Women in High Places (WIHP), which is a network of global women leaders in medicine, academic research, government, industry, and consumer or patient advocacy, with a common interest in special diseases.
According to her, the idea of forming a similar but all-encompassing body was nursed by her after returning to Nigeria last year from WIHP conference in New York City, USA, where about forty women leaders convened to discuss their unique roles in addressing the global challenges of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and liver cancer.
“So, after returning, a few stakeholders were consulted including the WIHP members abroad, and thereafter, the Women in Hepatitis Africa (WIHA), was formed and inaugurated during the LWI Liver Health Conference in Lagos, Nigeria.”
The Keynote Speaker, Dr Olusola Akinola, director, Federal Ministry of Health, who noted that the conference came at the right time, however urged the government and other stakeholders to help create more awareness about hepatitis, the way we are doing to HIV/AIDS.
The conference was attended by dignitaries including, Dr (Mrs) Ganiyat Oyeleke, consultant hepatologist, LUTH; Dr Charles Onyekwere, chief consultant hepatologist, LASUTH.
Raynaud’s phenomenon:
A ❏ is characterised by vasodilation
B ❏ causes hot, red feet
C ❏ starts as white patches of skin
D ❏ is caused by a bacterial infection
E ❏ may require vasodilator treatment
The President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai has led a team of NEC members, chairmen of technical and interest groups, chairman, BOF and chairmen of some PSN Standing and Adhoc committees, to pay a courtesy visit to the NAFDAC DG, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye in her office, in Lagos, on Wednesday.
The visit, which happened to be the first official visit, made by the PSN delegation to the NAFDAG DG, since her resumption in office, was well attended by PSN representatives and utilised for cogent discussion on how to move the agency as well as the Society forward.
Having presented the needs of the Society to the DG, Pharm. Yakasai pledged the unalloyed support of PSN to NAFDAC, wishing her an uncommon success story as she steps into the office for the good of the Nigerian people, to achieve the safety margin in the regulation of Food and Drug sector of the economy.
Some of the issues raised at the meeting are:
Creation of an engaging process to obtain the perspectives of different stakeholders (Manufacturers, Importers, Distributors, Retailers etc.)
Strengthening the enforcement directorate of the agency to effectively and efficiently discharge its activities and at the same time heighten post registration surveillance to prevent distribution and sale of substandard and falsified products. Improved survey on quality selected drugs to generate reliable data is very necessary for an informed decision.
The need to strengthen the R&R Directorate, by adopting the robust regulatory information management system for efficient registration of products, to reduce the time it takes to register or renew regulated products.
Full implementation of National Drugs Distribution Guidelines (NDDG) – Federal Ministry of Health, NAFDAC, PCN, PSN, PMGMAN, NIROPHARM, and APIN – new take off date is 1st January, 2019
The need to promote high level of GMP standards among local manufacturing companies to facilitate the achievement of the goal of National Drug Policy and push for medicine security. NAFDAC can partner with some organisations to provide technical support to local companies.
NAFDAC to work towards becoming a member of Pharmaceutical Inspection Cooperation Scheme (PICS) which is for national regulatory agencies. NAFDAC needs to meet a minimum requirement to be accepted as a member. Once you become a member, any decision taken is accepted by other stringent regulatory authorities and become well respected globally. Only South Africa is a member in Africa. I believe USP can help in this direction.
The European Union/United Nation Children Fund (EU/UNICEF) Niger Delta Support programme (NDSP) in collaboration with the Bayelsa state government, on Wednesday celebrated this year Global hand washing day with children from Kolukuma/Opokuma local government area of the state.
With the theme, ‘Our Hands, Our Future’ children from the various primary schools in the local government were taught on the importance of washing their hands regularly to avoid diseases that could hamper their future.
The event which began on Monday with awareness and sensitization campaign carried out by the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) unit of the local government area, was rounded off at the headquarters in Kaima.
Speaking at the occasion, the Bayelsa State Consultant for UNICEF, Bright Nwaonu, said the global hand washing day is an event set aside by United Nation to sanitize the people of the World on the need to wash their hands regularly.
He said since 90 percent of our daily activities involves our hands, there was the need to wash the hands regularly to avoid contacting unseen germs which causes life threatening diseases like typhoid, eye infection and intestinal related diseases.
He said, “UNICEF involvement in most interventions in the country centred mostly on children and women we have in our communities so anything you find yourself in the midst of children, it was a thing of joy because whatever we are doing is for the interest of this vulnerable one who we believe by tomorrow will be the leaders of this country.”
Speaking at occasion, the chairman of Kolokuma Local Government Area, Wisdom Fafi, said it was a good thing that pupils from primary schools are carried along as they will grow to imbibe the habit of washing their hands and also act as agents of change.
While thanking the European Union and UNICEF for the laudable program, he said there is no doubt that the end of the day, more of the persons present will catch ‘virus’ of hand washing and help speed the messages.
In his key note address, Gilbert Mein, Head, Environmental Health Services of the local government, said that the global hand washing day was initiated by the Global Hand Washing Partnership with over 100 organizations.
He said, “Clean hands is great for you as an individual, it is also help build a healthy society, if every one develop the habit of cleaning his/her hands regularly. With increasing air pollution, we need to wash our hand so that we can be free from avoidable diseases.
The Guardian
It was a swell time at the 2017 ALPs Forum, held at the Igbobi National Orthopaedic Pavilion, Lagos, as there were lots of dining and dancing, to appreciate God and all sponsors for another successful year.
The Forum themed: “Your health, your wealth”, also screened participants for breast cancer, blood sugar level and blood pressure. However, the high point of the event was the dancing time which they heartily enjoyed.
Watch the video to see who rocked it best?
Pimples always constitute an irritation on oily glands of the body, such as the face, neck, shoulders, back, and chest. And they are usually developed when there is a blockage of the skin pore with dead cells.
A blind pimple is acne that has developed beneath the surface of the skin. Blind pimples are usually not noticeable from a distance, but a person can feel it by running a finger over the skin’s surface.Blind pimples do not initially have a head like some other types of pimples.
With the accompanied pain and discomfort, it can be frustrating waiting for a blind pimple to clear on its own. Hence the need to prevent the occurrence becomes imperative.
Dermatologists have advised patients on the need to always keep their pillowcases and bed sheets clean in order to be free from bacterial that can trigger all sorts of pimples.
In a report published on Medical News Today, the following practical tips were suggested on how to reduce your chances of developing a blind pimple:
In case you have the pimples already on any part of your skin, the following natural remedies may be helpful:
An ice pack can be useful for reducing redness, inflammation, and swelling after a pimple has emptied.
To use ice to reduce swelling and redness, a person should:
Use a mild facial wash and warm water, and pat the area dry with a clean towel.
Put ice cubes into a plastic bag or clean towel.
Hold the ice pack against the affected area for 5 minutes, remove for 5 minutes, and replace for 5 more minutes.
Repeat the ice application three to four times a day.
-As Consultants, Residents Doctors and Nurses Resign En masse
The last is yet to be heard about the ongoing mass resignation of medical personnel at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology University Teaching, Ogbomoso, as the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has alerted that the development could lead to the extinction of the tertiary health institution, if no urgent step is taken to prevent it.
According to the MDCAN chairman, Dr. Afolabi Salawu, who blamed the situation on poor funding of the hospital by the Oyo State Government, he said the hospital might become extinct if there was no urgent intervention from the government to reverse the trend.
Speaking through a press statement, the MDCAN noted that the teaching hospital was established by the administration of former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, to cater for the tertiary health needs of the people. It was set up as a model, adding that if completed, it would be one of the leading hospitals in Nigeria, but the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Ogbomoso had remained far from that due to the non-completion of many projects and non-supply of some equipment to the health facility.
The statement read in part, “Despite this exceptional dedication, commitment and financial sacrifice by staff and some Oyo State indigenes, who have come to our aid to complete some abandoned projects in the hospital, our governor is yet to visit the hospital and have an on-the-spot assessment. The government only relies on stories by enemies of Oyo State, who malign the hospital as being a wasteful project.
“The government of Oyo State is now planning to close down the hospital and cut subvention to the hospital in January 2016. Also, all categories of workers have been subjected to between 28 per cent and 50 per cent salary till date and the last salary paid was that of August 2017 as of November 30, 2017. Several efforts have been made to appeal to the governor to reverse this anomaly as all other health institutions in Oyo State are receiving full salary and subvention.”
They added, “The aftermath of this action of government has led to massive brain drain in the hospital with an exodus of young consultants trained by the LTH. Many senior consultants too have left. Also, residents in training and a large number of nurses have also been absorbed by other institutions.
“It is with dismay that we receive the news that despite the massive brain drain already happening, the government of Oyo State has completed plans to further downsize the hospital from a teaching hospital to a state-owned general hospital without the full complements of a teaching, specialised services and research component of the present institution.”
All the following products contain a local anaesthetic EXCEPT:
A ❏ Dequacaine
B ❏ Merocaine
C ❏ BurnEze
D ❏ Anthisan
E ❏ Proctosedyl
LEADERSHIP INSPIRATIONS FOR EXCELLENCE (LIFE) SERIES
What separates the best leaders from the rest? What do they have that trumps up their success? Is it knowledge? Motivation? Money? Great leadership begins on the inside of every person. It begins with discovering our life’s purpose!
Purpose is that deepest dimension within us that tells us who we are, where we came from, why we are here, and where we are going. If you are not fired up and energised about something you deeply care about, then most likely people will not follow. The passion in you is the power that will elevate the world to a better place. When a leader has a compelling purpose, the people around him want to become a part of the inspiring mission to change lives.
Leaders who are purpose-driven are on a life-long quest to be connected with something larger than their own life. Bill Gates did not start Microsoft to become the richest man in the world. He saw the potential of personal computers to transform the lives of many people. He was determined to create a software that would make them useful for every person in the world. He followed his passion and purpose and, in the process, became the richest man in the world. That was the outcome, not the goal. His purpose was to change how we live.
Steve Job’s vision was not to make a load of money and retire rich one day. Steve Job’s purpose was to help people unleash their creativity. He wanted to enrich people’s lives. He was passionate and had a purpose to enrich people’s lives through the products that Apple created. He wanted people to be connected to an experience, whether it was a phone or a computer. When we live on purpose we make decisions and choices to live a life of legacy.
In the book, Good to Great by Jim Collins, surveying several companies in different industries, the author makes the case that Level 5 leaders were building teams around a common vision and purpose. These companies went beyond the purpose of making money and meeting the shareholders expectations. They found a higher calling and purpose by changing the world through their services and contribution. Purpose was more important that profits.
Happiness at work illustrates that personal job satisfaction is closely linked to feeling like we are on a path to a higher purpose, or that we’re doing something that we really believe in.
Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos.com and author of “Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion and Purpose, says that, “When people do something that actually contributes to a higher purpose that they really believe in, research has shown that this actually is the longest lasting type of happiness.”
So how can you become a purpose-driven leader?
Purpose is on the inside – Connect with your heart first and be authentic about what is it that you want to help people about? It doesn’t have to be a big cause. When you have a clear purpose, you can articulate it to others with fire and passion. You feel good and energised about who you are as a human being.
Choose a purpose that is bigger than yourself – Having a purpose that can be compelling and encourage participation on the part of the followers is something that Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon.com says, “Choose a mission that is bigger than the company.”
Create value for people – Great leaders have something in common. They focus on adding value to whatever their passion and purpose is. When you can add value to people’s lives, whether through a product or service, their lives becomes more meaningful and in some respect better than they were yesterday.
Nothing is ever the same once you tap into your life’s purpose and your leadership calling. You begin to sense higher positivity and energy that you thought did not exist in you. Life becomes truly fulfilling and rewarding.
The misunderstood art of leading
Linda Hill, the Wallace Brett Donham Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School, is a champion of leadership through empowerment. Her work focuses on leaders who have excelled by enabling others to do the doing. In other words, if you seek professorial wisdom, vocal displays of assertiveness are not necessarily leadership. Her work on Nelson Mandela’s leadership style highlights her research-based beliefs that in the business world, too, there are countless benefits to viewing leadership as a collective activity. So do her insights on the stealth leaders within organisations – those unheralded members of the rank-in-file who take charge of key initiatives. Hill’s latest book, “Collective Genius: The Art and Practice of Leading Innovation”, makes a fascinating argument that Hill has made before: namely, that to lead innovation, you should not view leadership as a take-charge, bull-by-the-horn-grabbing activity. Instead, your job should be to create, populate, and inspire a flexible ecosystem, in which employees feel comfortable proposing radical ideas and challenging long-held corporate beliefs.
Find the strengths of your culture
For example, there’s a change-management myth that tends to inflate the roles of leaders. The myth generally involves a super-leader, imported from another company, arriving and making wholesale changes which produce demonstrable wins in the first 100 days.
From my experience, that type of top-down approach isn’t the best way to motivate employees to do what innovation requires. The best way, is to tap into emotions those employees already feel. Those emotions could lie in a product’s quality, or in the overall role a company plays on the world’s stage. Regardless of what those emotions are, the most important thing a leader can do – early on in a change-management initiative – is discover where those emotions and pride-points lie and connect with employees through these points.
There is also need for paradigm shift from change-management concept to leading change. While the former is a reaction to change, leading change is proactive and more productive in releasing the energies of the workforce.
Using people’s talents
Using what he learnt, De Meo was able to make his branding goals less of a top-down initiative and more of a community-based desire, built around a mutual sense of purpose. He did this in two ways: (1) He directly involved employees in the creation of a centralised brand; (2) he tied the importance of creating a centralised brand to the pride-points of quality engineering and the auto industry. Specifically, he did this by organizing a massive three-day off-site devoted to brainstorming about the brand. Instead of PowerPoint presentations, the off-site – held at a Frank Gehry-designed building in Berlin — was more like a design lab, filled with prototyping, testing, and most of all, discussing and arguing across the rank and file.
De Meo recalled it as “artwork everywhere, loud rock music signaling transitions between activities, snapshots showing the history of the automotive industry mixed in with conversations about the future of mobility.”
You can see how this approach would engage employees who were already prideful about their industry and their product. And there was another piece of the engagement too: De Meo’s inclusive approach made branding something the entire company was involved in. Employees were creatively collaborating, brainstorming, and participating, rather than responding to just another mandate from “those big guys on top in Wolfsburg.”
Power of purpose
Generally, we don’t use people’s talents as fully as we can. By contrast, De Meo’s approach created a branding effort behind which a historically decentralised company found unity. He believes you build a brand from the inside out.
As for results, they were tangible: By the time De Meo left VW for Audi, the VW brand had risen in the ranking of all brands worldwide from 55th to 39th. Sixteen points jump! But more than this quantifiable accomplishment, De Meo had proven that real change can occur when you engage your employees on a personal level, and find out why your organisation (and its posterity) matters to them. VW became a textbook-worthy case of that easy-to-preach, hard-to-practice principle of purpose-driven, community-centric leadership.
Purpose – not the leader, authority, or power – is what creates and animates a community. It is what makes people willing to do the hard tasks of innovation together and work through the inevitable conflict and tension.
It was the German philosopher Frederick Nietzsche who observed that “he who has a why can endure any how”. Leaders who know their why are better able to navigate and achieve success in the fast changing and uncertain world of today. Consider some of the leaders of the past who persevered in the face of difficult circumstances. Leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Winston Churchill, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jnr and so many others. These leaders connected to a purpose that matter to them. For Nelson Mandela, it was the liberation of the people of South Africa. For Winston Churchill, it was to prevent Hitler from conquering the world. The reason we remember these leaders was their commitment to a bold purpose. It’s this courage and commitment to a purpose that inspires us still today.
Whilst great leaders of times past were purpose-driven, it may surprise to know that many leaders today lack clarity of purpose. Research cited in the article “From Purpose to Impact” by Nick Craig and Scott A. Snook, found that fewer than 20 per cent of leaders have a strong sense of their own individual purpose. Even fewer can distill their purpose into a concrete statement. A number of African leaders lack clarity of purpose. These are the ones who indulge in attacking personalities rather than address the issues. Whilst leaders can identify the pain and problems that keep them up at night, very few are able to tell you what makes them get out of bed in the morning!
Lere Baale is a Director of Business School Netherlands, www.bsnmba.org and a Certified Management Consultant with Howes Group – www.howesgroup.com
December 5, 1896: Czech-American biochemist and pharmacologist, Carl Ferdinand Cori, was born. He shared the 1947 Nobel Prize for his discovery that glycogen is broken down and resynthesised in the body, as part of the process for its use as a storage and source of energy.
Don’t find customers for your products; find products for your customers – Seith Goddin
I once had a colleague who worked in my team. His sales performance had a pattern which depicted poor performance in the area of cash collection. His cash collection figure at the end of the month was usually not more than 20 per cent of his total sales for that period. Paradoxically, his sales within the same period were somewhat high! He sold large volumes of products without collecting money that was proportionate to the sales. I noticed this pattern when he was assigned to my team. The happening continued consecutively for two months and I decided to investigate the matter personally.
I made the staggering discovery that the salesman was always desperate to sell at the end of every month in order to meet up with his sales target, without necessarily bothering how to receive payments for goods sold. His interest was just to make sales, even if it meant selling to the wrong category of buyers. His concern was to sell and save himself from any trouble that could come from management as a result of poor performance. He usually begged buyers to buy his products just to record that he had made sales for that period.
I call this type of selling, “dumping of products.” Buyers in this case are not usually in a hurry to pay when the product is dumped on them. The reason is simple: they didn’t buy the product in the first place. The product was ‘forced’ on them! Therefore, they will pay at their convenient time and the payment time may not be in the nearest future. Dumping is not selling.
Sell professionally and avoid dumping
Dumping happens when the salesman fails to make himself and his product attractive to buy. Once the salesman fails to give the prospect sufficient reasons to buy, the prospect will lose interest in the product.
Sales folks should follow the professional sequence of selling and win the prospect to their side. The product should not be forced on the buyer. It is immaterial whether the action (dumping of product) is aimed at meeting a sales target. Professional selling is beyond sales targets. Professional selling encourages mutual relationship of win-win and not win-lose.
Successful sales folks make their products and services desirable. Once the salesman makes his products and services attractive to the buyer, the opportunity to sell is usually high. Making your product attractive could be the way it is presented or the way the salesman goes about his selling activities. You must sell your product as if it is the best product in the world. Sell to give value. Give buyers reasons to buy. Show them benefits in the product.
Don’t price yourself low
A salesman who dumps his product has priced himself, his company and his product 50 per cent less. Most buyers will not be in a hurry to pay for a product that is bought on sympathy or a product that is forced on them. This is a sensitive area in selling. The activity of buying and selling is a serious business. It is not a form of charity where people give away gifts and will not expect returns.
Average salesmen often find themselves in the dilemma of dumping their products. Don’t be in a hurry to sell just for selling and record-keeping sake. Sell like a Pro! Let buyers see and feel the values you are bringing to the table. Let buyers buy your product because of the benefits in the products and not because of pity the salesman wants to attract. Show them the reasons to buy. It is only when they see the reasons to buy that buying decisions are made.
When the salesman is at the mercy of the buyer, payment for products bought may be delayed. Take the driver’s seat. Be in charge. Don’t be desperate to sell.
Be a sales pro!
Sales pros follow the rules. They sell on credit too, but they observe the rules of the game. Their credit sales have defined payment procedure. Sales pros know that selling is not complete until payment for goods bought is made. This is not the same for average salesmen who dump their products because they are desperate to write figures in the sales invoice.
When you sell on credit, ensure that you follow company’s policy on credit sales. Follow through and ensure that payment is made within the approved period. This is how to sell like a pro.
Desist from dumping of your products! Dumping is not the same as selling. Dumping depicts desperation. I have maintained that buyers don’t buy from desperate salesmen. They buy from sales pros.
Selling champions are not desperate salesmen. They are sales pros. They know how to achieve great results. They don’t dump their products. They put a lot of value on themselves, on their companies and on their products. They sell great products and services. They love their jobs and their customers. They don’t dump products. They sell them!
Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai, president, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), has declared that continued reliance on imported medicines poses a major risk to the nation’s security.
In his welcome address at the just concluded 90th conference of the Society held at International Conference Centre, Umuahia, Abia State, 6-11 November, 2017, Yakasai warned that a nation that does not strive towards self-sufficiency in medicine production risks vulnerability to perishing at the altar of its enemies who just need to lace some of its fast-selling lines with poisons to inflict substantial mortality.
“In economic terms, the need also arises to grow the GDP of a nation through the nourishment of its pharmaceutical sector.
“This is why self-sufficiency in pharmaceutical production remains the watchword for a forward looking nation,” Yakasai stated.
The PSN helmsman also remarked that the last one year had been quite eventful for the society, which, he said, had gone from strength to strength.
Among other feats, Yakasai enumerated the PSN Foundation launch, inter-professional collaboration among healthcare practitioners, construction and unveiling of PSN Monument at NIPRD headquarters, establishment of PSN Medicine Information Centre, donation of drugs worth over N50 million to Internally Displaced People (IDP)’s camps in Yobe and Sokoto States following meningitis outbreak, and retrieval of PSN property at Victoria Island from Churchgate, as some of the Society’s landmark achievements for the year.
“As we celebrate 90, let us continue with our vision which is to see the Nigerian pharma practice and industry systematically expanding, diversifying, integrating, innovating and collaborating with associated industries, such as science, technology, human resource, regulatory and consumers’ affairs – all contributing to the establishment of a robust Nigerian economy.
“I believe the tasks ahead are surmountable. I am very assured that, together, we can build a formidable Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria that we will continuously be proud of,” he noted.
Earlier in his keynote address, Andrew Nevin, advisory leader and chief economist, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Nigeria, emphasised that if Nigerian pharmacists are seriously contemplating putting an end to the growing incidence of drug counterfeiting, they need to embrace Blockchain technology.
While harping on the theme, “Medicine Availability and National Security,” the keynote speaker noted that what he finds most baffling is that those behind drugs counterfeiting are educated brains who, in most cases, attended the best schools in the world.
“Sometimes, I wonder how an educated person would conceive thoughts of creating counterfeit drugs knowing that it will kill a number of people. It is baffling! We need to work hard to eradicate it.
“Unfortunately, it has been established that 25 per cent of deaths in Sub-Saharan Africa were as a result of counterfeiting. Pharmacists must guard against such development. This is why I proffer Blockchain technology,” he stressed.
In attendance at the event were Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, Abia State governor; Pharm. N.A.E. Mohammed, registrar, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN); Pharm. Bruno Nwankwo, former chairman, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN); Olumide Akintayo, immediate past president of the PSN; Pharm. Ade Popoola, former chairman, PSN Board of Fellows; Professor (Mrs.) Mbang Femi-Oyewo, MFR, former deputy vice chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University; Pharm. Gbolagade Iyiola, PSN national secretary; Pharm. Ifeanyi Atueyi, managing director of Pharmanews Limited; Pharm. Arinola Joda, PSN national publicity secretary and Pharm. Ike Onyechi, managing director of Alpha Pharmacy.
Others were HRM Eze Alex Onyido, chairman of Albeh Healthcare Industries; Pharm. Lekan Asuni, managing director, Lefas Pharma; Pharm. Ifeanyi Atueyi, managing director of Pharmanews Limited; Pharm. Albert Alkali, national chairman, Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN); Pharm. Folashade Lawal, a renowned community pharmacist and Prof. Olukemi Odukoya, former dean, faculty of pharmacy, University of Lagos (UNILAG); directors of pharmaceutical services and other relevant stakeholders.
Worried by the spate of sudden death in the country, which claims about seven million lives annually, a team of Nigerian pathologists have urged Nigerians to always check their blood pressure and reduce their consumption of Western diets.
The recommendations were based on findings from a ten-year national survey on the causes of sudden death in Nigeria, which showed high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, to be the leading cause of heart failure and sudden death in the country.
Presenting their report during a symposium organised by the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) on 21 Tuesday, 2017, themed, “Sudden death in Nigeria: Public dissemination of national survey findings”, the researchers who divided their findings presentation into three segments, noted that if no urgent step is taken to stem the negative tide, the rate of sudden death in the country may double by year 2020.
The study, which was conducted across the six geopolitical zones of the country, enrolled eleven tertiary medical institutions and one police clinic. The research team comprised Dr S. Shoyemi from Lagos State University Teaching Hospital; Dr O.O. Odubela, Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Research Group, NIMR; Dr B. Iwalokun, NCD, Research Group, NIMR ; and Dr Clement Okolo, from University College Hospital, Ibadan.
According to the researchers, a total of 642 cases of sudden death were autopsied during the review period, and the South-West region accounted for 70.9 percent of the total data used for the study.
It was also noted that the population sample had more males than females, with the most prevalent risk factor identified as hypertension, which accounted for 52 percent of the cases.
The findings identified risk factors of sudden death to include cardiovascular, respiratory and central nervous system disorders as the commonest causes, with the predominant factor being hypertension.
Moreover, inadequate knowledge, perception and practice on sudden death and related activities were recorded among healthcare workers in the country.
Based on their findings, the researchers proposed the following for national adoption: Advocacy to emphasise importance of autopsies; addressing socio-cultural barriers to autopsies; developing an algorithm for sudden death reporting in Nigeria; establishment of sudden death reporting in Nigeria; enactment and improvement of implementation of Coroner law and PME practices in Nigeria; development of key BCC messages to permeate the various cultural, religious and ethnic divides in the country; and development of biomarkers for early identification of persons with high risk factors of sudden death in the environment.
While addressing pressmen at the event, the NIMR Director General, Professor Babatunde Salako, emphasised the essence of regular blood pressure check, noting that though hypertension is the easiest disease to diagnose, it is, unfortunately, the leading cause of sudden death in the country.
He therefore urged all Nigerians to always seek the assistance of their caregivers to check their blood pressure as often as possible, in order to reduce the burden of sudden heart failure in the country.
Addressing the participants earlier, chairman of the occasion, Prof. Andre Kengne, noted that Western lifestyle was impacting Nigerians negatively, leading to chronic diseases and sudden death.
Visibly concerned about the situation, Kegne said: “We can’t afford to stand still, watching events unfold”, adding that “actions are needed from all stakeholders and citizens to stem this tide of sudden death in Nigeria”.
Congratulating the team for a successful study, he pledged his full support to NIMR and the study team, promising to make more advice available to them, for proper dissemination to other countries in the region.
In this interview with Adebayo Oladejo, Da’ap Panshak Ignatius, president of Pharmaceutical Association of Nigeria Students (PANS), University of Jos (UNIJOS), Plateau State, speaks on pharmacy education in Nigeria, as well as the impact of the 2017 Annual National Conference of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) held in Jos, recently, on PANS-UNIJOS. Excerpts:
Why did you choose to study Pharmacy?
My decision to study pharmacy was prompted by my love for chemistry and its relationship to the health profession. During my secondary school days, Pharmacy was the only course I knew of that could bridge these two variables, so I went on a quest for fulfillment in applying to study Pharmacy, even though there were no mentors or role models around me. Choosing Pharmacy wasn’t without a hint of its relevance in the health sector and, surprisingly, its lucrativeness.
What are some of your achievements since you became the president of PANS-UNIJOS?
PANS-UNIJOS has achieved a lot ever since we came on board as executives. Our achievements include organising a symposium in conjunction with the International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation (IPSF), with the theme: “The Pharmacy Connection/Links: Student Today, Pharmacist Tomorrow”. We also organised a staff-student forum, with the aim of forging academic excellence through cordial relationship between faculty staff and students. What we are doing is to enrich our students’ knowledge of the profession and encourage them to make right choices within the field of Pharmacy.
We also had a facility tour for new students to ECWA Pharmaceuticals in Jos, and also to some hospitals. We were also able to secure the approval of the university management to set up a Students Centre, which the previous administration found difficult to achieve. Presently, plans are on ground to implement the project.
How about challenges?
When we newly came on board, making the new set of executives to see reason why we needed to work together as a team and with same vision was quite difficult to achieve. However, we thank God that this has been resolved now and we are now one big family.
Also, striking a balance between official duties and academic work is a big challenge; but I am working hard to achieve this. Finance is often a paramount challenge in every administration, and ours is not an exception.
What is your assessment of pharmacy education in UNIJOS, compared to other pharmacy schools in the country?
Pharmacy education in UNIJOS is simply the best, because we have the African Centre of Excellence on Phytomedicine Research and Development (ACEPRD), with Prof. John C. Aguiyi as the centre director. The centre has facilitated the production of several drugs for use in Nigeria, including antihypertensive, antidiabetic and antimalarial drug; as well as anti-snake venom.
The ACEPRD provides an avenue for students to learn from not just local postgraduate students but also international researchers. Moreover, pharmacy faculty, UNIJOS, has some of the best professors and this is reflected in the quality of graduates it produces.
What is your general view of the current state of pharmacy education in Nigeria and what do you think the government can do about it?
I believe pharmacy education in Nigeria is close to becoming the best in Africa. This is because of the emergence of the Pharm.D programme, which will pave the way for instituting world class pharmacy practice.
However, the population of pharmacists in the country is relatively small, compared to the population. So, the government should make effort to resolve this problem by ensuring that we have more pharmacy schools, especially in the federal and state universities which are accredited, well-funded and given grants for research and development. There is also need to build more research facilities.
What aspects of pharmacy profession do you want the leadership of PSN and PCN to address urgently?
Unscrupulous practice has over time been a problem in the pharmacy profession. Also, the exchange of pharmacy license for money by fresh graduates of pharmacy across the country is currently on the increase and must be stopped before the integrity of the profession is ruined or tarnished.
The relevant agencies should be able to correct these problems and others, by checkmating the rise of swindlers in the profession and also organising conferences on the need for ethical pharmacy practice which will be a course to foster a better pharmacy education in the country.
Who are your role models in pharmacy practice and why?
I have always admired the vigour and strong will possessed by the late Prof. Dora Akunyili, the former director general of NAFDAC; and the publisher of Pharmanews, Pharm. (Sir) Ifeanyi Atueyi, because of their unique contributions to the pharmacy profession and the identity they have carved for themselves as pharmacists.
When you graduate from pharmacy school, which area of practice in pharmacy will you consider and why?
I am passionate about academic and administrative pharmacy, and I strongly believe that this will propel me to the height of achievements that I dream of.
Where do you see PANS UNIJOS by the time you will be leaving office?
I see a PANS chapter that is driven by the passion to achieve and build sustainable legacies, to the level of being the envy of other PANS chapters. This can only be achieved through optimal leadership and conscious followership.
-As CPFN national fellowship holds in Umuahia
Prof. Chinedum Babalola, vice chancellor, Chrisland University, Ogun State, has admonished young pharmacists and prospective students considering a career in academia to learn to make patience a watchword.
While sharing her life experiences during the gathering of members of Christian Pharmacists Fellowship of Nigeria (CPFN), at the just concluded 90th Annual National PSN Conference, held at International Conference Centre, Umuahia, Abia State, Babalola explained that academia pays in the long run for those who can be patient enough to reap the fruits of their efforts.
According to the former dean of Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, her academic career in the last decade had experienced a massive boost in every area.
“Shortly after my PhD at Ile-Ife, I moved down to University of Ibadan as a senior lecturer. Right from the moment I got to Ibadan in 1998, God started opening doors of opportunities for me.
Babalola remarked that, through divine providence, she was promoted to an associate professor in 2003 and full professor in 2006. That promotion, she said, made her to become the first female pharmacy professor at the University of Ibadan and the first female professor to give an inaugural lecture from the Faculty of Pharmacy in 2011.
The Chrisland VC stated that she had been head, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry on two occasions (2003-2005 and 2012–2013 respectively). Between 2005 and 2010, she was the director, General Studies Programme (GSP) Unit, University of Ibadan.
She was also the first female Head of Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry twice (2003-2005 and 2012 – 2013) and lifted the infrastructure and standard of the department. Between 2013 and 2017, Babalola served two tenures as the seventh Dean of Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan; and again, the first female to occupy the distinguished position.
“I was also privileged to travel abroad. You see why I mentioned earlier that academia pays if we are patient enough? When you ask any academic pharmacist today, they will tell you that what they earn now is quite encouraging unlike in the past,” she said.
On how she struggled with being called a masculine name ‘Chinedum,’ Babalola joked that at first she was not conscious of the peculiarity of the name, until she came in contact with boys bearing same name.
“At first, I was shy and did not like the name. However, as I grew older, I began to cherish it. That was because I discovered that Chinedu (which is the variant common with boys) means ‘God leads’, while ‘Chinedum’ means ‘God leads me.’
“That was how I personalised and started adoring the name. Today, that name is a constant reminder of what God is doing in my life,” she stressed.
During the time of exhortation, Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi, managing director of Pharmanews Limited, prayed for Babalola, noting that her testimony called for sober reflection among today’s Christians.
“As she said, Chinedu is a common name, while Chinedum is more personal. Which one are you? God has a mission for us all. The truth remains that if He is not leading you, your life will have no direction
“Therefore you need to check yourself to be sure you are not running another person’s assignment,” he admonished.
Others in attendance at the event were Sir Ike Onyechi, national president, CPFN; Dr. Austin Ighorodje, CPFN treasurer; Pharm. Ngozi Okoronkwo, national secretary; Pharm. Adeshina Opanubi, secretary, Lagos CPFN and Prof. Cecilia Igwilo, Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (FPSN).
Christian Pharmacist Fellowship of Nigeria (CPFN) is a non-profit, non-governmental, non-denominational fellowship group comprising pharmacists across the country and in diaspora.
Its vision is to facilitate, encourage and empower pharmacists as well as prospective pharmacists to reach out to souls with a view to prepare them for the coming of Jesus Christ through regular meetings, seminars, convention, outreaches, publications and prayers.
Trigger factors for migraine include all EXCEPT:
A ❏ use of caffeine
B ❏ exposure to sunlight
C ❏ missed meals
D ❏ lack of sleep
E ❏ air travel
Choose the option that best describes the statement below
Terazosin:
A ❏ constricts smooth muscle
B ❏ is a selective beta-blocker
C ❏ increases urinary flow rate
D ❏ may cause an increase in blood pressure
E ❏ is indicated in urinary frequency
Everyone desires good health. And God has promised good health to His children. Nothing pleases God as seeing His people prosper and be in health. The blood of our Lord Jesus Christ has provided healing of diseases for those who believe. But the soul must be prospering. A soul that prospers is controlled by the Spirit of God.
