Home Blog Page 154

UNILORIN Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Marks 1st PANS Week

By
-
1

Living up to its resolves to play catch up, the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) has hosted its first ever PANS Week.

The three-day event which took place in Ilorin, Kwara State drew attention of students, academic staff and people within and outside the institution.

The first day programme witnessed a scientific exhibition and symposium tagged ‘Becoming a 7-Star Pharmacist: The Nigerian Reality” held at the new faculty lecture theatre. Aside discussing what the society expects from modern-day pharmacists, the talk also took a cursory look at pharmacy practice in the country and how it has evolved over the decades.

A cross section of the academic staff of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences

In attendance were Prof. Abdulkarim Agunu, dean of the faculty; Pharm. Sesan Kareem, keynote speaker and personal assistant to the PSN president; Setofunmi Alo, PANS national president; chief medical director of the university’s teaching hospital and Sanni Mohammed, PANS president (UNILORIN chapter).

Towards the end of the programme, ‘El Farmaceutico,’ the official publication of UNILORIN PANS was launched amid generous donation by participants.

A cross section of the health team and recipients of the free medical outreach in Sentu Village

Day two of the Pharmacy Week saw a team of pharmacy students kicked off a health outreach among locals of Sentu, a neighbouring village in the suburb of the university campus. The villagers came en masse and were excited to partake in the outreach which featured blood pressure test, blood glucose level, body mass index calculation among others.

In the evening, a novelty 5-aside matches among four pharmaceutical companies – Tuyil Pharmaceuticals, Bioraj Pharmaceuticals, Health Line Pharma and Peace Standard Pharmaceuticals were witnessed. At the end of proceedings, Tuyil emerged winners of the keenly matches.

The third day of the PANS Week celebration featured an award dinner and cooking competition among 100 to 300 levels in which the latter emerged victorious.

Speaking with Pharmanews, Sanni Mohammed, PANS president (UNILORIN chapter) disclosed that though UNILORIN Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences may not be there yet, they are gradually building their way to the top.

It would be recalled that the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences has just inducted its first set of pharmacy graduates in what many termed an historic feat. The colourful oath-taking ceremony of the 17 Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) Degree graduands, which took place on May 4, 2017, attracted the rank and file of the school management officers, high profile pharmacists (both in academic and administrative positions) and excited parents.

 

 

Silva, Atueyi, Others Call For Collaboration Among Healthcare Professionals

By
-
0

–        As NAPA marks 15th annual national conference

To further ensure that patients remain the ultimate beneficiary, pharmacists in academia and hospitals have been urged to embrace inter-collaboration among healthcare professionals.

Addressing participant at the 15th annual national conference and scientific meeting of the Nigeria Association of Pharmacists in Academia (NAPA) which held on August 22, 2017, at Sickle Cell Centre, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Prof. Boladale Silva, chairman of the occasion, said putting heads together is the key to promoting unity among health professionals.

L-R: Mbang Femi-Oyewo, dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU); Prof. Bolajoko Aina, dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, UNILAG and Prof. Boladale Silva, chairman of the occasion

“In everything we do, one thing should be key – the concept of collaboration. Let us try as much as possible to collaborate with others,” he canvassed.

This much was corroborated by Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi, vice president, Nigeria  Academy of Pharmacy (NAPharm) who said the academy is pleased to be part of NAPA initiative.

A cross section of the dignitaries at the event

It would be recalled that physicians under the aegis of Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA) in collaboration with Nigerian Association of Pharmacists and pharmaceutical Scientists in the Americas (NAPPSA) and Nigerian Nurses Association in the Americas met at a joint conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States from June 23 to 26, 2017 to fashion out ways to improve interprofessional relationship.

Following the historic meeting, an interprofessional relations committee was inaugurated by the top hierarchy of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria to devise further means to improve relationship among healthcare professionals.

It subsequently culminated in an inter-collaborative symposium some months ago at Prof. Ade Ajayi Conference Hall in UNILAG with about eight professional health bodies in attendance.

“In all of these, the patient is the ultimate beneficiary. Beside, any of us can become patient at any time,” he opined.

Meanwhile Professor S.R.A Akinbo, deputy provost, College Of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL)  called on NAPA to intensify efforts on research and development, stating that there was a time Asian academics and researchers used to visit  Nigeria to look at our journals and publications.

“Subsequently, these Asians would go back, replicate the ideas and patented them. We don’t want that anymore. People tend to use the term ‘publish or perish’ urge on researchers. In our case, we have to ‘publish and flourish.’ That should be our focal point,” he canvassed.

In attendance at the event were Dr. John Ayorinde, NAPA national chairman; Prof. Mbang Femi-Oyewo, dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU); Prof. Bolajoko Aina, dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, UNILAG; Prof. J. D. Adeyemi, dean, representative of UNILAG vice chancellor; Pharm. Gbolagade Iyiola, national secretary, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and Prof. Olukemi Odukoya, former dean, UNILAG Faculty of Pharmacy.

Others were Dr. Arinola Joda, PSN national publicity secretary; Prof. Oluwatoyin Odeku, dean, Faculty of Ibadan, University of Ibadan (UI) and Pharm. Oluwatosin Adeyemi, academic staff, UNILAG faculty of pharmacy.

 

About 10,000 Lives To Be Saved Through Malaria Prevention-WHO

By
Admin
-
1

– WHO and partners take on malaria: the top killer in north-eastern Nigeria

Following more than 8 years of conflict in Borno state in north-eastern Nigeria, some 3.7 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance and all are at risk for malaria. WHO estimates that every week, around 8500 people are infected with the disease in Borno State? With the high transmission season for malaria lasting through October, WHO expects these numbers will increase.

In Borno State, WHO estimates more than half of deaths recorded are currently due to malaria, more than all other causes of death combined, including cholera, measles and hepatitis E. A highly vulnerable population, consisting largely of children (58.8%), is at risk of disease outbreaks.

With more than 60% of health facilities only partially functioning, many people have not had access to regular health services, including routine vaccinations and basic medicines, for years. In addition to security concerns, acute malnutrition caused by food insecurity is rising in parts of the state. Between malnutrition and death is virtually always disease, and malaria often turns cases of malnourishment deadly.

Health emergencies and malaria

“Malaria, malnutrition, fragile states and civil strife often feed each other,” says Dr Pedro Alonso, Director of WHO’s Global Malaria Programme. “Wherever we have a humanitarian crisis in a malaria endemic country, we can almost always be sure that malaria is the number one killer.”

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. In 2015, there were more than 200 million cases of malaria and 437 000 deaths. More than 90% of malaria deaths occur in Africa.

However, malaria is preventable and curable. Increased efforts over the last 15 years have drastically reduced malaria deaths and cases – malaria mortality rates dropped by more than 60%, averting 6 million deaths.

“The most effective way to reduce deaths in emergencies in fragile states, especially those facing malnutrition, is by boosting malaria prevention and control, however, this is often not viewed as the top priority during an emergency response,” says Dr Alonso. “We are working with our WHO colleagues and many partners to change this.”

Following a recent visit to Borno state, WHO malaria experts commissioned a modelling exercise to estimate malaria cases as well as how many deaths could be prevented if a basic set of initiatives were undertaken. The report concluded that with the right joint actions, up to 10 000 deaths could be prevented in Borno state alone.

WHO

Ugwu, Iwuanyanwu, Nine Others Bag PEFON Fellowship

By
-
0
  • Founder charges members to be proud of the foundation

Pharm. Ike Ugwu, chief executive officer, Pharmacare Support Group, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, chairman, Champions Newspaper and nine other inductees has joined the growing list of distinguished Fellows of the prestigious Professional Excellence Foundation of Nigeria (PEFON).

The body of professionals which has Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, managing director of Juli Plc as chairman, board of trustees aims to identify Nigerian professionals home and abroad who have excelled in their chosen field.

In attendance at the colourful induction ceremony which held at Hotel Victoria Palace (SMRDU) on August 17, 2017, were personalities such as captains of industries and career professionals.

Aside Pharm. Ugwu, the new Fellows included Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo and chairman, Champions Newspaper (represented by his daughter); Oladipo Okpeseyi, Senior Advocate Of Nigeria (SAN); Barrister Olasheni Ibiwoye, Senior Advocate Of Nigeria (SAN); Ismail Agaka, general manager, Social Security Development Department and Asiwaju Taofeek Adelekan, a seasoned insurance expert.

Others were Dr Bode Kalejaiye, former head of economic intelligence unit in the presidency; Toyin Emeordi, assistant general manager, Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF); Barrister Oladele Ojogbede, chairman of Ojogbede Estates Limited; Engr. Chuka Ajene, managing director of Dexcel Global Resources Limited and Oluseyi Martins, ace broadcaster.

L-R: Pharm. Ike Ugwu, chief executive officer, Pharmacare Support Group receiving a Fellowship award plaque from Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi, PEFON Board of Trustees member while Engr. Ibikunle Oguntayo, representative of Prince Juli Adelusi-Adeluyi, looks on
L-R: Pharm. Ike Ugwu, chief executive officer, Pharmacare Support Group receiving a Fellowship award plaque from Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi, PEFON Board of Trustees member while Engr. Ibikunle Oguntayo, representative of Prince Juli Adelusi-Adeluyi, looks on

Welcoming the new inductees, Chief Oladipo Bailey, founder of the foundation charges them to be proud of the foundation by wearing its lapel everywhere they go.

“Some of us are happy when we meet at the airport or outside the shore of this country and see you donning it. In particular, I must say I am quite impressed with Sir (Ifeanyi) Atueyi fo showing such example,” he said.

In addition, Bailey declared that PEFON is about the only structure that aims to bring distinguished professionals from all walks under the same umbrella.

He stressed that aside giving special recognition to those who have excelled in chosen career, the body’s objectives also include raising scholarship fund to assist young ones become professionally qualified as well as identify those who, though are not professionals, have established conglomerates that have employed a large number of professionals.

While lamenting the level of discomfort and untold hardship brought about the economic recession in the country, the PEFON visioner encourages members not to give up on the country.

“All I can say is that there are better days ahead. I am presently going through trials myself. I cannot walk without the aid of a wheelchair. But very soon, I will be back on my feet again by the Grace of God,” he stressed.

The list of pharmacy professionals in the fold of PEFON fellowship included Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai, president, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN); Pharm. Ifeanyi Atueyi, managing director of Pharmanews Limited; Dr. (Mrs) Stella Okoli, chairman, Emzor Pharmaceuticals; Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, managing director of Juli Plc; Dr. Michael Oyebanjo Paul, chairman, Mopson Pharmaceutical Limited and Dr. Nelson Uwaga, past PSN president.

Others are Pharm. Olumide Akintayo, PSN national president; Sir. Nnamdi Obi, managing director of Embassy Pharmaceuticals, Pharm. Charles Akinsete, general manager of Juli Pharmacy and Pharm. Uche Nwana, managing director of Sylken Pharmaceuticals Limited.

 

Adelusi-Adeluyi Bags Retail Pharmacy Legend Award

By
-
0
  • As Alkali, Ehimen win other categories of Pharmalliance Awards

In recognition of his selfless service to growth of pharmacy practice, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, chairman of Juli Plc has bagged the 2017 edition of Pharmalliance retail pharmacy legend award.

The award ceremony which was part of the 9th edition of The Panel, an annual retail pharmacy business summit organised by Pharmalliance at Classique Event Centre, Lagos on August 16, 2017.

Eulogising his virtue, Pharm. Adeshina Opanubi, convener of The Panel described the 77-year-old patriarch as a beacon of hope for young pharmacists going by his antecedents in the last 35 years.

Adelusi-Adeluyi (fondly called Juli by friends and close associate) is the first and only pharmacist in Nigeria to become minister of health. Born into a royal family in Ado Ekiti, he is one of the pioneer set of pharmacy students at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU) where he bagged a number of scholarships.

When he floated the first indigenous company on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (his Juli PLC), military president Ibrahim Babangida sent him a letter of commendation. A man of vast travels, he has been to over 142 nations and speaks Yoruba (his Ekiti dialect), Igbo, English, Portuguese, French, Dutch and Spanish fluently.

L-R: Dr. Cosmas Maduka, chairman, Coscharis Group expressed delight as Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, chairman of Juli Plc presented him with a Pharmalliance larger-than-life portrait

After all his spectacular success, he went back to school to study law and later emerged the overall best graduating student at the law school. After that, he became one of the Senior Partners at Adelusi-Adeluyi & Co. where he offers free legal services to the underprivileged and prisoners.  Honoured with the national honour of the Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR), many know him as the owner of Juli Pharmacy.

He is also an alumnus (mni) of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) and was a former president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN). In 1993, he was appointed the Nigerian Minister of Health and Human Resources under the Ernest Shonekan government, becoming the first pharmacist to achieve such feat.

Other notable awardees at the two-day summit were Pharm. Josephine Ehimen, executive director of NETT Pharmacy (Pharmalliance Inspiration Award) and Dr. Albert Alkali, ACPN national chairman (Pharmalliance Leadership Award).

L-R: Pharm. Adeshina Opanubi, convener of The Panel unveiling Pharmalliance life-sized painting of Young Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, chairman of Juli Plc at the event to the admiration of the latter while Pharm. Ike Onyechi, managing director of Alpha Pharmacy watches

Midway through the programme, both Prince Juli Adelusi-Adeluyi and Dr. Cosmas Maduka, chairman, Coscharis Group were both presented with a larger-than-life size painting of themselves as a show of appreciation.

What however got the audience talking was the youthful picture used for the giant painting. It was the face of young Prince Juli taken in 1965 during one of his student union activities in Athens, Greece.

Earlier in his keynote address themed “Game Changer,” Maduka admonished the audience to endeavour to aim high, adding that only those who go the extra mile would be favoured.

“The death of my father at age 4 denied me the benefit of formal education. But with N200 as investment capital, I succeeded in building a conglomerate with interest spanning the globe,” he said.

Speaking further, the business mogul revealed that the saddest day of his life was when one of my apprentices defrauded about 56 traders dealing with him of N48 billion when his business was just flourishing. The tension between him and the aggrieved party was so intense that it eventually resulted in litigation.

“But I thank God for seeing me through it all. Whenever I recall that incident, I see it as a victory. This is because I strongly believe that success ignites like wild fire. I encourage young pharmacists like you to creativity to what you do,” he charges.

In attendance at the 9th edition of The Panel were Pharm. Ike Onyechi, managing director of Alpha Pharmacy; Chief Kenny Martins, chairman, Greenspring Limited; Pharm. Chris Ehimen, chairman of NETT Pharmacy; Pharm. Ismail Adebayo, immediate past national chairman of Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) and Femi Soremekun, chairman, Biofem Pharmaceuticals Limited.

Pharmalliance, which put the retail business summit together, is an informal network of retail pharmacies that access a common pool of shared resources. These resources include Financial Services, Legal Services, Insurance Services and Business Development services.

According to the organisers, Pharmalliance is for retail pharmacies registered by the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria. It is an alliance of Pharmacy businesses and non-Pharmacy professionals.

 

Implement NDDG without Further Delay, Community Pharmacists Tell FG

By
-
0

–As Lagos ACPN marks Day

The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria ACPN, Lagos State Chapter has called on the Federal Government to as a matter of necessity begin the implementation of the National Drug Distribution Guideline (NDDG), without further postponement, saying prompt implementation will help tackle the chaotic drug distribution that is rampant in the country and safeguard the health of the nation.

The chairman of the association, Pharm. (Mrs.) Biola Paul-Ozieh, made the appeal during the 2017 Community Pharmacists Day, which was part of the programmes for this year Pharmacy Week held recently by the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Lagos State Chapter at Oba Ayangburen Palace, Ikorodu Lagos.

According to the number one community pharmacist in the state, it is high time the government and various regulatory agencies partnered community pharmacists in stemming the tide of drug abuse in the country, adding that drug abuse and misuse is currently a burning issue amongst youths who are the most vulnerable and if care is not taken, it may become a major challenge for the nation.

Speaking further, Paul-Ozieh who advised the public to patronize only the registered pharmacies who have pharmacy neon signs emblem in front of their premises, however lamented that the recent announcement by the health minister, Prof. Isaac Adewole on the postponement of the closure of the Open Drug Markets is definitely not in public health interest and is not acceptable to the association.

“We also like to reiterate to the federal government the importance of reconstituting the board of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), so that the board can provide the necessary oversight function, and also, the appointment of a new director general of National Agency for Food, Administration and Control (NAFDAC), is also long overdue and the federal government should go ahead to appoint a suitable pharmacist for that key regulatory office.”

In his keynote address titled “Building a Healthy Nation: Role of Community Pharmacists, the speaker, Dr. Gbola Olayiwola, head, Dept of Clinical Pharmacy and Administration, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, described the community pharmacists as closest health care providers, adding that the practitioners are well positioned to contribute to the reduction of non-communicable and communicable diseases in the society.

According to him, the theme for the programme is apt as it further portrayed the community pharmacists as nation builders, adding that the emerging role of community pharmacists has gone beyond taken care of drug needs of people pharmaceutical care, drug advice, counselling and health monitoring.

“A Pharmacist are not set up to be millionaires or multi-millionaires, but they are wired to be comfortable with the little they are getting, and that is why their service is being appreciated by the community where they practice. Meanwhile, part of their roles is that they provide information as far as drugs is concerned, so they are drug experts, so my advice to Nigerians is that they should be well enlightened and informed about whom a pharmacist is and they should ensure they source their medications from genuine source always.

A major highpoint of the event was the free counselling and screening on HIV, blood sugar, blood pressure, breast cancer, cervical cancer, prostrate cancer, dental check and tuberculosis offered to the people of Ikorodu community and its environs.

Dignitaries at the event included, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, senator, representing Lagos East Senatorial District and chairman of the occasion who was represented by Dr. Rotimi Adesanya, a certified Child Health and Hospital Management and Head of Senator Gbenga Ashafa’s Medical Team; Dr. Jide Idris, commissioner for health, Lagos State, who was represented by Pharm. Bisi Omolara; the Oba of Ikorodu, HRM, Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, who was the royal father of the day; Dr. (Pharm) Albert Kelong Alkali, national chairman, ACPN, who was represented by Pharm. Bosede Idowu; Dr. Gbola Olayiwola, head, Dept of Clinical Pharmacy and Administration, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, who was the Keynote Speaker; Dr. Owolabi Salu, medical director, Diphilab Vision Care and Optical Services, Ikorodu; ASP Olajide Olasunkanmi; ASP Mathias Amadi; Chief. Kaoli Olunsanya, the Ashipa of Ikorodu; Hon. Princess Folasade Olabanji, vice-chairman, Ikorodu Local Government; Hon. Ayodele Elesho, former commissioner for information, Lagos State; Pharm. Deji Osinoiki, chairman, Board of Trustees, Lagos State PSN; Pharm. Bola Adeniran, chairman, PSN, Lagos State and Dr. Femi Olaleye among others.h

WHO bemoans low rate of exclusive breast feeding in infants globally

By
Admin
-
0

According to a new report by UNICEF and WHO in collaboration with the Global Breastfeeding Collective, a new initiative to increase global breastfeeding rates, no country in the world fully meets recommended standards for breastfeeding. The Global Breastfeeding Scorecard, which evaluated 194 nations, found that only 40 per cent of children younger than six months are breastfed exclusively (given nothing but breastmilk) and only 23 countries have exclusive breastfeeding rates above 60 per cent.

Evidence shows that breastfeeding has cognitive and health benefits for both infants and their mothers. It is especially critical during the first six months of life, helping prevent diarrhoea and pneumonia, two major causes of death in infants. Mothers who breastfeed have a reduced risk of ovarian and breast cancer, two leading causes of death among women.

“Breastfeeding gives babies the best possible start in life,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO. “Breastmilk works like a baby’s first vaccine, protecting infants from potentially deadly diseases and giving them all the nourishment they need to survive and thrive.”

The scorecard was released at the start of World Breastfeeding Week alongside a new analysis demonstrating that an annual investment of only US$4.70 per newborn is required to increase the global rate of exclusive breastfeeding among children under six months to 50 per cent by 2025.

Nurturing the Health and Wealth of Nations: The Investment Case for Breastfeeding, suggests that meeting this target could save the lives of 520,000 children under the age of five and potentially generate US$300 billion in economic gains over 10 years, as a result of reduced illness and health care costs and increased productivity.

 

Mother nursing son

“Breastfeeding is one of the most effective—and cost effective—investments nations can make in the health of their youngest members and the future health of their economies and societies,” said UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake. “By failing to invest in breastfeeding, we are failing mothers and their babies—and paying a double price: in lost lives and in lost opportunity.”

The investment case shows that in five of the world’s largest emerging economies—China, India, Indonesia, Mexico and Nigeria—the lack of investment in breastfeeding results in an estimated 236,000 child deaths per year and US$119 billion in economic losses.

Globally, investment in breastfeeding is far too low. Each year, governments in lower- and middle-income countries spend approximately US$250 million on breastfeeding promotion; and donors provide only an additional US$85 million.

The Global Breastfeeding Collective is calling on countries to:

  • Increase funding to raise breastfeeding rates from birth through two years.
  • Fully implement the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and relevant World Health Assembly resolutions through strong legal measures that are enforced and independently monitored by organizations free from conflicts of interest.
  • Enact paid family leave and workplace breastfeeding policies, building on the International Labour Organization’s maternity protection guidelines as a minimum requirement, including provisions for the informal sector.
  • Implement the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding in maternity facilities, including providing breastmilk for sick and vulnerable newborns.
  • Improve access to skilled breastfeeding counselling as part of comprehensive breastfeeding policies and programmes in health facilities.
  • Strengthen links between health facilities and communities, and encourage community networks that protect, promote, and support breastfeeding.
  • Strengthen monitoring systems that track the progress of policies, programmes, and funding towards achieving both national and global breastfeeding targets.

Breastfeeding is critical for the achievement of many of the Sustainable Development Goals. It improves nutrition (SDG2), prevents child mortality and decreases the risk of non-communicable diseases (SDG3), and supports cognitive development and education (SDG4). Breastfeeding is also an enabler to ending poverty, promoting economic growth and reducing inequalities.

Hospital Pharmacists Celebrate AHAPN Day, Screen Mushin Residents

By
Temitope Obayendo
-
1

As part of the activities to celebrate the on-going 2017 Lagos Pharmacy Week, members of the Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists of Nigeria (AHAPN) Lagos State branch, have visited the dwellers of Odi Olowo area of Mushin Local Government , with the good tidings of healthy living as well as  abstinence from drug abuse and misuse.

The event held at the Kajola Primary Healthcare Centre in the area, on Wednesday 16 August, 2017, also afforded the residents, the opportunity of free medical screening on hepatitis, blood glucose, and hypertension.

The Keynote Speaker, Pharm. Joy I.Nwankwo, deputy director Narcotics and Control Substances, NAFDAC, explained the roles of hospital and administrative pharmacists in the wellbeing of the nation, noting that a healthy nation is wealthy nation.

Emphasising on the roles of hospital and administrative pharmacists to the society, she described it as one of the core areas of pharmacy practice that interface more regularly with otherkey players of the healthcare sector, which has moved from being a window dispensing practice, to a more robust practice of pharmaceutical care.

The State Chairman, AHAPN, Mrs Folashade Kotun expressed her heartfelt gratitude to all that made the campaign a success, stating that the association almost cancelled the event, due to the unfortunate passing away of their member, from Ekiti State, who breathed his last breath in Lagos, on the same day of the event.

After observing a minute silence for the deceased, she urged all present to always pay attention to their body symptoms, noting that the human system will normally give warning signs before a total shot down, and the place of medical screening,” as we are doing today cannot be underestimated when it comes to the human body”.

ALPs Takes Campaign against Drug Abuse and Misuse to Iyana-Ipaja Traders

By
Temitope Obayendo
-
0

Poised to stem the tide of drug abuse and misuse in the society, the Association of Lady Pharmacists (ALPs) Lagos Branch, has laid bare before the Iyana-Ipaja market men and women, the severe consequences of indulging in wrong usage of drugs, stating that it could cost them their lives.

The one- advocacy, held on Tuesday, 15 August, 2017, was part of the activities of Lady Pharmacists in Lagos to mark the 2017 Lagos Pharmacy Week, and it was well graced by stakeholders and participants.

Cross section of the lady pharmacists reciting their anthem at the event.

The Keynote Speaker, Pharm. Tawa Arilesere warned the traders of the inherent dangers of mixing drugs together, saying the consequences usually outweigh the act, thus she warned them to desist from it.

Some of the notable persons that graced the occasion include:  Alimosho Local Government Chairman, represented by his wife, Hajia Kabirat Bello Suleiman; Pharm. Deji Oshinoiki, as the father of the day; Pastor (Mrs) Stella Adekoya, as the mother of the day; Pharm. (Mrs)  Tawa Arilesere, keynote speaker; ALPs former national chairman, Pharm.(Chief) Yetunde Morohundiya, ACPN Lagos Chairman, Pharm.(Mrs) Abiola Paul-ozeh, and others.

15th Law: Sales Is A Number Game But Always Shoot on Target

By
George Emetuche
-
1

Unbreakable Laws of Sales

Be sure you positively identify your target before you pull the trigger. – Tom Flynn

Aim and shoot

Any hunter who shoots without aiming is likely going to miss his target. Smart hunters don’t waste their bullets. They aim before shooting. This is the way to go and this truth applies in other areas too. It is always ideal to know your destination before embarking on any journey. It will end up a wasted effort if you commence an action without identifying your purpose. When you are sure of your target before shooting, attaining result is closer. You also avert wasting resources.

Whatever you do in sales, your main aim is to hit your target. You want to achieve your set goals and ensure that every action is moving according to plan. Successful sales managers do all they can to ensure that their efforts lead their organisations toward the right direction.

An army commander in a battlefield will not command his men to shoot aimlessly. He will ensure they hit their targets; otherwise they expose themselves to danger.

Selling is about ‘real’ numbers

Sales profession is a number game; people are appraised by the number they bring to the table – but it is ideal that salesmen move with high level of precision. Salesmen should spend resources where necessary and where results are expected. You are not permitted to waste scarce resources of time, money, materials and energy in areas that will not yield positive results.

Salesmen who go to places that will not yield required outcomes are seen to be inept. This faction of salespeople may not compete favourably in today’s tough business environment.

Define your purpose

Today’s selling is strategic and precise. You must define what you want to achieve and go for it. You are supposed to get your environmental scanning right; identify your prospects and hit the road.

Don’t set out unless you are equipped with detailed information about your targets; be sure the prospects are the ideal ones. Ideal prospects are the folks who will need your products and services. You can also get referrals from ideal prospects and customers.

Once you are on the right path, step out and hit your target. This is the way to hit the target in your selling.

Be strategic and rule your sales world

Don’t shoot in the air. Don’t waste your bullets! Hit, once the target is sighted. Just as Tom Flynn, American Author and Journalist rightly stated, ‘‘Be sure you positively identify your target before you pull the trigger.’’

Always remember that your competitors want to take your customers from you. They also want to get to the prospect before you get to them. They want to outshine you in the market. They want their products and services to come first before yours. This is your competitors’ first assignment.

It’s your duty to move like someone who has a defined sense of mission. You should have a clear-cut direction on where to go, how to go there and what to do when you get there. There are no ambiguities in selling; any form of uncertainty may lead to failure. Successful sales folks define and follow the right direction.

 

The target must be clear

Peter Drucker said, ‘‘Management by objective works – if you know the objectives.’’ You won’t know what to pursue when you have not defined your mission. You must define your objectives before you set out. Your goals should be very clear to you. You should be able to see your target clearly and feel it as if it’s a tangible item. Create the world you desire!

Sell like a champion. Develop a strong sales zone and maintain cordial relationship with your target market. Spread your tentacles strategically. Develop new viable market and sustain your current customers. Spend your business time creatively; don’t waste it – no one manufactures time!

 

Sell in the right market

Let me tell you a sales truth. You will not succeed in your selling when you sell the right product in the wrong market or when you sell the wrong product in the right market. Endeavour to be at the right place at the right time, doing the right thing. Never engage in motionless movement.

Selling products and services in the market is like a tailor who makes clothes to fit. The products and services must fit the market. They must fit the prospects and customers. This is the beginning point of selling. Once you miss this aspect, a lot will likely go wrong. Again, sell like a Selling champion!

Why I Returned To Pharmacy Practice After Foray into Civil Service – D. S. Wali

By
-
0

Pharm. Dahiru Suleiman Wali is one of few senior citizens in the country who have in-depth experience in the different aspects of pharmacy practice (hospital, industrial and community). In this interview with Pharmanews, the 82-year-old veteran recounts his passion for the profession, while suggesting ways for improvements. Excerpts:

Tell us a bit about your early years.

I was born in Kano City on 23 July, 1935 to the late Walin Kano, Sulaiman and the late Hajiya Hadizatu-Kubura, popularly known as Mainama. My father died in 1939 when I was barely four years old. I had to depend on my mother for my well-being and upbringing. I started my primary school education in 1942 at the Kefar Kudu Elementary School (at the Emir’s Palace), before proceeding to Kano Middle School from 1948 to 1952 and Katsina Principal Secondary School, Katsina from 1953 to 1954.

I was at the School of Pharmacy, Zaria from 1954 to 1957, when I graduated as a pharmacist. Thereafter, I travelled to the United Kingdom and attended Bath Technical College, from 1961 to 1963. It was at Bath that I met my present wife, Judith, a German, who was in England from Germany to improve her language skills. I graduated from the college in 1963 and married Judith (Nee Jutta Hans-Georg Schneider) on 28 August, 1964, in London.

I worked briefly for a pharmaceutical company, Parke-Davis, in Hounslow, Middlesex, UK. Later, I got admission into University of Salford, where I studied Chemistry and Zoology and graduated with a degree in 1968. I was able to get through with my studies with the help of a scholarship from the Northern Nigerian Regional Government at that time. Later in the year, I returned to Nigeria with my wife.

 

Where else did you work after your experience at Parke-Davis?

My working career took me to Ilorin, Bida and Kaduna. Upon graduation in 1957 as a pharmacist, I was employed by the then colonial government of Northern Nigeria and posted to General Hospital, Ilorin (capital of present day Kwara State) as assistant pharmacist, equivalent to present-day internship.

In 1958, I was posted to Bida General Hospital (in Niger State) and served as the pharmacist-in-charge. I did not stay long in Bida, as I was transferred to Kaduna and served again as pharmacist-in-charge of the Kaduna Nursing Home, which is now Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital of the Kaduna State University (KASU) in Kaduna. Kaduna was then the seat of the Northern Nigeria Regional Government.

Upon my graduation from Salford University, I relocated to Nigeria and joined the Kano State Ministry of Education and was posted to Dala Girls Secondary School as Vice Principal and Science Teacher. I stayed for only one year, from 1968 to 1969, before joining the United African Company of Nigeria (UACN) in 1970, as a company executive.

 

You also worked in Zaria. What was the experience like?

Yes, I was posted to Zaria to oversee A.J. Seward factory, a subsidiary of UACN, with Kano and Kaduna under my supervision. The company produces pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and other household commodities. In a short time, I was promoted to be in charge of UACN pharmaceutical products, which is akin to that of the national marketing manager. I was posted to Kingsway Chemists of Nigeria Limited, another subsidiary of UACN and relocated to the head office in Lagos.

I retired from UACN in 1975 and started Tsamiya Pharmaceuticals Ltd in Kaduna in the same year. I operated Tsamiya as a retail pharmacy practice along the busy and high profile Ahmadu Bello Way in Kaduna in 1975. We later relocated to Sardauna Crescent in Kaduna and finally into our own corporate headquarters building on Yoruba Street in Kaduna.

I retired from active pharmacy practice 28 years later, in 2003.

 

How have you been spending your time in retirement?

Even in retirement, I have been busy with Boards and Councils appointments. I’ve been involved with the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) and First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) Plc, among others.

Details of my life’s story, including my career exploits, can be found in the book, “D.S. Wali: An Icon of Community Pharmacy Practice in Nigeria”.  I am presently living in my house along Dala Close in the GRA, Kaduna, with my wife. Our first son, Dr Muhammad Ujudud (Andreas) Wali studied Medicine at the University of Ibadan and is now a specialist physician sub-specialised in intervention cardiology and works in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in the USA. He has two children. Our second and last child, Hajiya Aisha (Melanie) studied Business Administration and is married to Alhaji Ibrahim Dikko and they both live in Lagos with two lovely children of theirs. I have thus, four grandchildren.

 

Looking back, can you really say studying Pharmacy was a good decision for you?

Studying Pharmacy was a good decision for me, that even after acquiring a university degree in the UK and returning to Nigeria to be a college vice principal, I had to return to my practice as a pharmacist. I have practised as a hospital, industrial and community pharmacist from 1957, when I qualified, till 2003, when I voluntarily retired from my own practice and from the pharmacy profession.

 

What was the profession like in your day compared to today’s practice?

There are some differences in the practice between then and now. Not having enough pharmacists in the various practices was one of such, as we were few. The work was too much for the few pharmacists. Even though most pharmaceutical products were imported, there was adequate availability in the hospitals. The population was low though; but the management of the supply chain was perhaps better coordinated at that time, and the pharmaceutical products dispensed freely to the populace in publicly-owned hospitals, where most Nigerians attended anyway.

 

What are the challenges facing pharmacy practice in Nigeria and how can they be surmounted?

The problem of the negative effects of drug-drug interactions on patients is an issue that needs to be looked into. This is especially the case in privately-owned clinics where some do not have pharmacists. I want to further advocate for installation of computers in our pharmaceutical services departments in both public and privately-owned hospitals, with inbuilt software to guide pharmacists during dispensing. This will eliminate some medication errors and prevent untoward effect of drug-drug interactions in outpatients and inpatients.

 

How vibrant is pharmacy in the north compared to the south?

The vibrancy is about the same in each of the practices since all practices are regulated by the same regulatory agency, which is the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN). It is therefore expected for the level of practice to be the same, except that there are more of pharmacy premises in cities in the south than in the north, except for Abuja.

 

Are there one or two pharmacist(s) you admire in the profession?

I have always admired the late Pa P.O. Ishaku, FPSN. The late Pa Peter Omar Ishaku was our teacher at the School of Pharmacy, Zaria in the early 50’s. He remained in academics and was the sub Dean in the Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Faculty of Science ABU, in the early 70’s. Himself, along with Professor Gabriel E. Osuide, FPSN; FAS, who was the founding father of Pharmacy in ABU, Zaria started the B.Sc (Pharmacy) degree programme in the University and later the department acquired Faculty status as Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences to date. Pa Ishaku died around 1981. May his soul rest in peace, amin. I am glad that the ABU Management has named the first Lecture theatre in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University after his name as a form of immortalization.

 

If you have the honour of changing some things about pharmacy practice, what will they be?

That is a very good question. You see, every profession is dynamic. Pharmacy is very dynamic since it entails pharmaceutical products – their discovery, uses on patients etc. Pharmacists must avail themselves with the latest knowledge on every pharmaceutical product in order to advice and counsel fellow healthcare professionals and the patients on appropriate uses of these products respectively. I am a strong advocate of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme for pharmacists. The programme should be practiced-based and tied to the renewal of Annual Licence to practice, which is issued to pharmacists by the PCN.

 

SENIOR CITIZEN

Why I returned to pharmacy practice after foray into civil service – D. S. Wali

Pharm. Dahiru Suleiman Wali is one of few senior citizens in the country who have in-depth experience in the different aspects of pharmacy practice (hospital, industrial and community). In this interview with Pharmanews, the 82-year-old veteran recounts his passion for the profession, while suggesting ways for improvements. Excerpts:

What can you say are your biggest contributions to pharmacy profession?

Well, it is not for me to say. I believe the authors of the book – “D.S. Wali: An Icon of Community Pharmacy Practice in Nigeria” have done a wonderful job in x-raying my life and mode of practice. However, I think, without being immodest, it is my sincere belief in patient-centred dispensing approach, which is now given the title of pharmaceutical care that I believe made the difference in our pharamcy practice. That was the style of dispensing in my retail pharmacy practice of Tsamiya Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Kaduna, for 28 years.

 

Are there some major awards given to you in recognition of these selfless services?

My most memorable award remains the Fellowship of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (FPSN) given to me during the 1988 Annual National Conference of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) in Abuja. The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ABU, Zaria had, on a number of times honoured me, especially with my being a member of the Faculty Board of many years standing.

I need to mention the fact that Professor A.T. Mora and his team who authored my biography have instituted a birthday anniversary lecture in my honour since 2015 when I turned 80. This year too, on 23 July, Professor (Pharm.) Magaji Garba, the Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Gusau will deliver the third lecture during my 82nd birthday anniversary.

 

If you were not to be a pharmacist, what other profession would you have opted for?

It is difficult to say. I qualified as a pharmacist in 1957, and proceeded to acquire higher qualifications at degree levels in the UK, returned to Nigeria, joined the civil service, since the government granted me scholarship and was indeed a Vice principal in a girls school under the Kano State Ministry of Education, but later left. I left to practise my first love, the profession of pharmacy again. So, I really wouldn’t have opted for any other profession but Pharmacy.

As an elder in the pharmacy profession, what is your advice to young pharmacists?

My advice to the young pharmacists is just one. It is the advice I have always given to pharmacists, both old and young. Do not chase the money. Pharmacy as a profession, is not about riches. It is for humanity and altruism. Practise the profession with the fear of God. Attend to every patient as you would to your relations. Same for compounding or manufacture of pharmaceutical products. Formulate as if you were the one to eventually use or consume the medication.

PSN, PCN, Others Task APF on Leadership Role in Africa

By
-
0

Stakeholders in the Pharmaceutical industry in Nigeria,  including the President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai;  Registrar, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, Pharm. NAE Mohammed;  National Chairman, Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Pharm. (Dr) Albert Kelong Alkali, have challenged the Africa Pharmaceutical Forum (APF), a subgroup of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) to take its rightful position as an umbrella body, and the voice for all pharmacists in Africa.

The remarks were made at the APF’s Regional Workshop with the theme “Sustainable Development Goal and Universal Health Coverage”, which was held at the Dovers Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, recently.

Speaking at the programme, the PSN president, Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai, noted that the theme for the workshop was topical as it affects almost all African countries, however challenged the leadership of APF to ensure they work harder in order to attain the leadership position which he said the group should occupy in Africa.

Speaking further, Yakasai said that there are lots of potentials in the African pharmaceutical industry, saying what is left is that everybody should work together and collaborate in order to make affordable and effective medicine available to all Africans, irrespective of the country they come from. “We must build local capacity and viable pharmaceutical companies that are truly African in their service delivery and market.”

“It is also important to promote the idea and getting commitment from FIP to be giving special grant to third world countries, which include many countries in Africa in time of emergency outbreak of diseases like Ebola, Meningitis and others, and by so doing, APF should also position itself to take full advantage of these special grants if considered for the benefits of our people and profession.”

In his own contribution, the PCN Registrar, Pharm. NAE Mohammed, observed that the challenges facing the practice is not peculiar to only Nigeria as it affects other African countries as well, adding that the PCN is doing everything possible to ensure the challenges are surmounted.

 

Cross section of dignitaries at the event.

The registrar further urged all pharmacists in Africa to join the regulatory bodies in their respective countries in the fight against counterfeiting, drug faking as well as quackery, saying it is time to rise and take back pharmacy from those who want to hijack it before it is too late. “The only thing pushing so many of them is the monetary gain, and not for the love for humanity, so it is time to rise and protect what is rightfully ours”, he said.

Earlier in his speech, the APF president, Pharm. Anthony Akhimen, reiterated that the forum will continue to focus on projects that will develop the role of pharmacists in providing advice and information, encouraging safe drug use, promoting healthy lifestyles and supporting disease management through pharmacy-based patient-oriented services.

He disclosed that the forum which was founded in 2004 with the objective to foster regional integration among member countries is the FIPs sixth Regional forum of National Pharmaceutical Organizations in cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO) African regional office, adding that the regional workshop was organized to offer participants an invaluable avenue to enrich their career while at the same time participating in the decision that would steer the future of pharmacy and health care in Africa.

Other dignitaries at the programme include, Pharm. (Sir) Ifeanyi Atueyi, managing director, Pharmanews Limited; Dr. Henri Charles Ainadou, president, Board of Benin Association of Pharmacists; Pharm. (Mrs) Jocelyn Chaibva from Zimbabwe; Dr. Kima Tessa, Cameroun; Dr. Didier Mouliom, Cameroun; Pharm. Olumide Akintayo, immediate past president, PSN; Pharm. Azubike Okwor, former president, PSN; Dr. Ogori Taylor, keynote speaker; Pharm. Bola Adeniran, chairman, PSN, Lagos State; Pharm. Abiola Paul-Ozieh, chairman, ACPN, Lagos State; Pharm. Chijoke Ofomata, Secretary, APF; Pharm. Timehin Ogungbe; Pharm. Iyiola Gbolagade, national secretary, PSN among others.

Pfizer Celebrates 60 Years in Nigeria, Relocates Office

By
Temitope Obayendo
-
1

Pfizer in Nigeria is celebrating 60 years anniversary, and several exciting initiatives and programmes have been outlined to make it a milestone  anniversary, said a release from the multinational company.

The press statement noted that the anniversary is the perfect occasion to look back at the brand’s achievements and reputation for setting the pace in the pharmaceutical industry.

The  Pfizer Country Manager , Mark Wagstaff,  expressed his remarks towards the achievement thus:  “It is exciting to see Pfizer mark 60 years in Nigeria this year. As we honor the past 60 years, we are looking to the future and expect the remaining part of 2017 to be full of renewed vision, passion and commitment.We have made substantial investments to strengthen our development and capabilities in order to better support our communities”.

As part of the activities to mark this anniversary, Pfizer in Nigeria has also announced its relocation  to a new, ultra-modern office to accommodate its growing business operations base.  The new office is located at Heritage Place, 7th Floor, 21 Lugard Avenue, Off Alfred Rewanne Road, Ikoyi, Lagos state.

Explaining the motive behind the relocation, the Corporate Affairs Director, Margaret Olele, noted that :“The office has been designed with advanced technology and green initiatives to better serve our clients and accommodate our staff more effectively and efficiently”.

Reiterating its commitment to a healthier world,  the document stated that Pfizer will continue to partner with relevant stakeholders to advance the medical community in Nigeria and drive advocacy in our markets.

Rectify The Rot in NHIS Implementation, PSN tells Government

By
Temitope Obayendo
-
1

-As Society Announces Lagos Pharmacy Week

Following the provision of the Nigerian Constitution which clearly stipulates the role of government in maintaining the security of lives and property as stated in Chapter two, Section 14, Subsection (2(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) Lagos Chapter, has called on the government to live up to its responsibility by wading into the prolonged-anomalies in the implementation of the health insurance scheme.

L-R: Pharm. Ismail K. Sunmonu, Lagos PSN publicity secretary; Pharm. Aniekan Ekwere, Lagos PSN vice chairman; Pharm. Bolanle Adeniran, Lagos PSN chairman, and Pharm. Charles Ajibo, chairman, Pharmacy Week Planning Committee, at the press briefing.

The society which acknowledged the place of the health insurance scheme in the nation, however noted that health insurance thrives best when the various cadres of providers are streamlined along the levels of the primary, secondary and tertiary providers. It was however observed that things went wrong at the implementation stage from the onset, as the right procedures were outlined initially.

Addressing a press conference towards the forthcoming Pharmacy Week in Lagos, which takes off on Monday 14 August 2017, and runs through the week with different activities, the Lagos State PSN Chairman, Pharm. Bolanle Adeniran said government needs to intervene in healthcare delivery as a matter of urgency, before a total collapse of the system.

Adeniran who decried the global capitation payment system for the health insurance, said it is not favourable to all practitioners, as it directs funds to be paid into the coffers of a primary care provider, who is a medical doctor, while he is expected to credit other providers. Having observed this payment system for some years, she said:”This arrangement does not protect the secondary and tertiary providers, as they are relegated to contend with individuals. The result is most practitioners in pharmacy, laboratory science, physiotherapy, radiography and others do not offer services in health insurance because of these compromises”.

While appreciating the Lagos State government for the inclusion of community pharmacists into the State health scheme, based on the guidelines for the registration from the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), Adeniran pointed out why the concept of fee for services is the best for the state social health scheme to embrace.

She highlighted the reasons why the concept of global capitation is not acceptable to pharmacists as follows: “It gives undue advantage to the primary care provider, who may divert the resources at his disposal to other ventures; it encourages the primary provider to keep and dispense the prescriptions rather than sending it out to the nearest pharmacy; it encourages the prescriber to prescribe drugs that are available in his clinic/hospital and cheaper alternatives rather than drugs that the patient actually needs.

“Experience has shown that it is difficult to collect money for services rendered as at when due from individuals. As a result of the tendency to maximise profits, checks and balances may be eroded, especially in medication errors”.

On the forthcoming 2017 Pharmacy Week, with the theme: “National Development: The role of pharmaceutical sector”, she noted that the technical arms of the society will kick-start activities for the week.

The week commences with the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) taking the campaign against the menace of drug abuse and drug misuse to the Palace of the Ayagburen of Ikorodu on Monday; while the Association of Lady Pharmacists (ALPs) goes to, Ijana-Ipaja park, with the message; the Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists of Nigeria, will on Wednesday be at Oju-Ina, Mushin, preaching the same gospel; and the grand finale will be at the official opening ceremony/seminar for the Pharmacy Week, to hold at the M2 Arena, Event Centre, along Oworonsoki Expressway, Ogudu-Ojota

 

 

Mosquito Nets With Herbal Repellents On The Way- NNMDA DG

By
Temitope Obayendo
-
1

Pharm. Sam Etatuvie is the director general of the Nigerian Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA). During a recent courtesy visit to Pharmanews office in Maryland, Lagos, Etatuvie spoke on the agency’s plan to introduce new locally made insecticide-treated bed nets with herbal extracts, noting that this will help tackle the challenge of mosquito resistance to treated nets made with pyrethoids. He also spoke on the agency’s efforts to collaborate with dedicated scientists and entrepreneurs to deepen the development of herbal medicines in the country. Excerpts:

 

DG, NNMDA, Pharm. Sam Etatuvie presenting some of their books to the MD, Pharmanews Ltd, during the visit.

 

Some Nigerian researchers recently discovered that malaria-causing mosquitoes are now resistant to Long Lasting Treated Nets and some insecticides, leading to serious concerns in some parts of the country. As an agency that focuses on natural medicine development, is there any herbal alternative that could be used to tackle this challenge?

One of our critical areas in drug development in terms of products development is that of malaria eradication, but we look more at vector control. To this extent, we developed a mosquito repellant, using pure extracts from medicinal plants indigenous to Nigeria. It is one of those things that we will soon put into the market. The common mosquito repellant is Odomos, which contains DDT and other components.

The other area we also looking at is how we can incorporate these extracts into the mosquito treated nets, because if you look at the existing ones, they are made of pyrethoids; but pyrethoids is not very effective in this clime. We have our own extracts that people have used for a very long time to scare away mosquitoes. Thus, we are working to put these extracts into the nets and it will give us a better result and also prevent this resistance war.

When is this new mosquito repellant likely to be available?

It is already in progress. We are actually waiting for NAFDAC listing. We exhibited it at the last Technology and Innovation Ministry Conference that was held in April 2017. It can be easily rubbed on the body and it has good fragrance, and can be used for little children. The good thing is that it is also useful in animal care. For those that have dogs and other pets at home, they can apply it to scare away flies.

Few weeks back, a bill for an act to provide for establishment of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), with the aim of integrating CAM into the nation’s healthcare system, passed the third reading at the National Assembly.  Can you briefly explain the merits of this bill to the healthcare system and are there inputs from your agency in this bill?

 

L-R: Pharm. Daniel Bibinu of NNMDA; Editor, Pharmanews, Yusuff Moshood; Pharm. Ngozi Okoye of NNMDA, Managing Director, Pharmanews Ltd., Pharm (Sir) Ifeanyi Atueyi; DG, NNMDA, Pharm. Sam Etatuvie; Pharm. Abdulkarim Safiyanu of NNMDA; Online Editor, Pharmanews, Temitope Obayendo; Business Manager, Pharmanews, Mr. Joel Omikunle; and the PRO, NNMDA, Elizabeth Adesanya, during the visit.

First of all, there is no input from our agency in the bill. There is always this semantics of alternative, complementary, and the WHO calls it CAM (complementary alternative medicine). If you look at our mandate, it’s basically looking at our indigenous healthcare systems; but if you look at the CAM itself, you are looking at other forms of treatment like osteopathy, allopathic medicine and acupuncture from Asian countries.

There is the Nigerian Council of Physicians of Natural Medicine (NCPNM) headed By Bishop Atilade. They are osteopaths who have studied outside the shores of the country on this area of medicine; they are the people behind the CAM bill. They have a representation in the Nigeria medical and Dental Council. Thus, those treatments are alternative to the ones we have here; that is, to our indigenous medicines. In fact, they are available in some hospitals now, in forms of acupuncture, naturopathic and so on.

However, naturopathy is the closest to what the agency is doing. Thus, the NCPNM is responsible for the CAM, not NNMDA. We have got no problem with the bill, because if other countries have developed their own indigenous products to the level of WHO approval, then it’s a plus for them and availability of variety for Nigerians to choose which method is best for their body chemistry.

Will this not slow down the development of our indigenous herbal medicines? If the National Assembly is pushing for the adoption of natural medicines from other countries, how and when will ours be developed?

There is time for everything. That was why the government established NNMDA, and we are not working in isolation. NNMDA is in partnership with NIPRID in some areas; so the work has been complementary.

In those days, when we started, we did some major works together. For instance, we did a UNESCO project together, and so on. So, there is no fear in that if people have a health challenge, it is getting a solution that is more important to everybody than how the solution came.

We are concerned with the result. If you have a challenge with your bones and an acupuncturist can use his needle and tools to solve the problem, that is fine. I think it is better to create opportunity for alternatives in our healthcare delivery system, rather than having one method of care delivery.

How far has the agency gone in assisting scientists who want to embark on production of herbal medicines?

We have done documentation of all the research works and findings on all Nigerian scientists on medicinal plants. If you are a curious scientist and you really want to formulate herbal medicine, we have that information for you. All you need do is to study them. We know the plants that have been worked on and the result, then what you need to do.

There are also herbal pharmacopeias in this country; we actually attempted to develop Nigeria herbal pharmacopeias. There is the West African Pharmacopeia, and even Ghana has her own pharmacopeia. So, if you have access to this pharmacopeia and to our own documentation, it gives you real opportunity of where to look for a particular disease state. I believe that, as entrepreneurs, we should be able to look at what is existing, what we need and the best alternative for us.

I also want to emphasise the fact that NAFDAC has made it easier for many entrepreneurs. If you want to do your formulation, you need to intimate NAFDAC about it, and they come to your facility to do the inspection and tell you two or more best ways to go about it. Then you proceed for the listing of the product and once this is done, it can last for two years. At the expiration of these two years, you can put in for another two years before the product can be taken for clinical trials abroad for additional studies.

Clinical trials are expensive but we are working with ADCPN to see how best we can reduce the cost and other ethical issues that are related to them. For me, those are the areas I want to direct everybody’s attention to. There is a lot of information out there; you can pick any medicinal plant, from the root to the leaf, to the flower and whatever it contains and how we can meet up.

Is there any plan to digitalise your materials for proper accessibility and durability?

We have what they call the Digital Virtual Library. If you come to the agency, the library is divided into two sections – the digital library and the physical library. Our documentation, in most cases, we try to have it in soft copy, as we are working on it. Our target for all users is to be able to buy e-copies of books through our website; and we shall ensure the website is in good order before the end of July.

Are there things you are going to do to encourage patronage from the pharmaceutical industry?

I think a lot of partnership is important and like I said, I want to meet the PMG-MAN to discuss some of the plans I have with them. There are lots of individual entrepreneurs, who have already indicated their interest. For instance, the Association of Incubation Entrepreneurs – some of their members have under done our trainings and we linked them up to another agency, which is the Nigerian Board for Technology Incubation.

Every state, except for one or two, has an incubation centre – what they call Technology Incubation Centre (TIC). In Lagos, it is at Agege.

So, if we train an entrepreneur and his product has a lot of prospects, we link them up with the TIC, then the TIC will give them a space to start. Once you commence, you have a shade for your facilities – generator, water, opportunity to work as a group and to talk to the Bank of Industries or the Bank of Agriculture as a group, for financial assistance.

But the formal sector – that is, the real manufacturers – know more than me about the challenges of manufacturing products. I believe that’s why they are also finding it difficult to come into natural medicine development at the moment; they are really into either importing finished products or almost finished products, as well as raw materials for pharmaceuticals

I think now, when we have this so called recession, is a good time to do what is called backward integration. This is the best time we can push people.  From my own experience, the bio diversity of this country is much better than the one in India and China. So, if we do good work, we should be able to have better quality products.

 

The cancer scourge is on the rise generally. Has the agency identified any treatment potentials in any indigenous plant?

We thought about it but a lot of people are working in that area.  No need for spending limited resources to embark on a duplicated project. Even bitter leaf has been shown to help manage cancer. A lot of people have done good work. We are thinking of prostrate cancer, actually, and we have taken some steps to work with some organisations in Abuja; but we have not concluded the arrangement.

There is somebody in Sapele, Delta State, that we have just discussed with, who has a herbal product on the management of prostate cancer. He wrote to the Ministry of Health and the ministry directed us to have some discussion with him, which I just did about a few weeks ago. By the time it’s a candidate product we can work with, it will be a great relief to patients, and that will be another step forward.

Pitfalls Leaders Must Avoid

By
Lere Baale
-
0

LEADERSHIP INSPIRATIONS FOR EXCELLENCE (LIFE) SERIES

Almost daily, diverse news media cover several stories of leaders at various levels from village level to global level, who failed in their leadership roles, due to one reason or the other. Most of the failures are traceable to simple things that they did not consider as dangerous when they started.

In the recent past, we’ve witnessed the public downfall of leaders from almost every area of endeavour—business, politics, religion, and sports. One day they’re on top of the heap, the next, the heap’s on top of them. Of course, we think that such catastrophic failure could never happen to us. We’ve worked hard to achieve our well-deserved positions of leadership—and we won’t give them up for anything! The bad news is: the distance between the beloved leader and despised failure is shorter than we think.

The following “warning signs” of impending failure are important for leaders to be wary of.

 

A shift in focus

This shift can occur in several ways. Often, leaders simply lose sight of what’s important. The laser-like focus that catapulted them to the top disappears, and they become distracted by the trappings of leadership, such as wealth and notoriety.

Leaders are usually distinguished by their ability to “think big.” But when their focus shifts, they suddenly start thinking small. They micro-manage. They get caught up in details better left to others; they become consumed with the trivial and unimportant. And to make matters worse, this tendency can be exacerbated by an inclination towards perfectionism.

A more subtle leadership derailer is an obsession with “doing” rather than “becoming.” The good work of leadership is usually a result of who the leader is. What the leader does then flows naturally from inner vision and character. It is possible for a leader to become too action-oriented and, in the process, lose touch with the more important development of self.

What is your primary focus right now? If you can’t write it on the back of your business card, then it’s a sure bet that your leadership is suffering from a lack of clarity. Take the time necessary to get your focus back on what’s important.

Further, would you describe your thinking as expansive or contractive? Of course, you always should be willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done; but try never to take on what others can do as well as you. In short, make sure that your focus is on leading rather than doing.

 

Poor communication

A lack of focus and its resulting disorientation typically lead to poor communication. Followers can’t possibly understand a leader’s intent when the leader himself or herself isn’t sure what it is! And when leaders are unclear about their own purpose, they often hide their confusion and uncertainty in ambiguous communication.

Sometimes, leaders fall into the clairvoyance trap. In other words, they begin to believe that truly committed followers automatically sense their goals and know what they want without being told. Misunderstanding is seen by such managers as a lack of effort (or commitment) on the listener’s part, rather than their own communication negligence.

 

“Say what you mean, and mean what you say” is timeless advice, but it must be preceded by knowing what you mean! An underlying clarity of purpose is the starting point for all effective communication. It’s only when you’re absolutely clear about what you want to convey that the hard work of communicating pays dividends.

 

Risk aversion

Leaders at risk often begin to be driven by a fear of failure rather than the desire to succeed. Past successes create pressure for leaders: “Will I be able to sustain outstanding performance?” “What will I do for an encore?” In fact, the longer a leader is successful, the higher his or her perceived cost of failure.

When driven by the fear of failure, leaders are unable to take reasonable risks. They want to do only the tried and proven; attempts at innovation—typically a key to their initial success—diminish and eventually disappear.

Which is more important to you: the attempt or the outcome? Are you still taking reasonable risks?  Prudent leadership never takes reckless chances that risk the destruction of what has been achieved, but neither is it paralysed by fear. Often the dance of leadership is two steps forward, one step back.

 

Ethics slip

A leader’s credibility is the result of two aspects:  what he or she does (competency) and who he or she is (character). A discrepancy between these two aspects creates an integrity problem.

The highest principle of leadership is integrity. When integrity ceases to be a leader’s top priority, when a compromise of ethics is rationalised away as necessary for the “greater good,” when achieving results becomes more important than the means to their achievement—that is the moment when a leader steps onto the slippery slope of failure.

Often such leaders see their followers as pawns, a mere means to an end, thus confusing manipulation with leadership. These leaders lose empathy. They cease to be people “perceivers” and become people “pleasers,” using popularity to ease the guilt of lapsed integrity.

It is imperative to your leadership that you constantly subject your life and work to the highest scrutiny. Are there areas of conflict between what you believe and how you behave? Has compromise crept into your operational tool kit? One way to find out is to ask the people you depend on if they ever feel used or taken for granted.

 

Poor self-management

Tragically, if a leader doesn’t take care of himself or herself, no one else will. Unless a leader is blessed to be surrounded by more-sensitive-than-normal followers, nobody will pick up on the signs of fatigue and stress. Leaders are often perceived to be superhuman, running on unlimited energy.

While leadership is invigorating, it is also tiring. Leaders who fail to take care of their physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs are headed for disaster. Think of having a gauge for each of these four areas of your life—and check them often! When a gauge reaches the “empty” point, make time for refreshment and replenishment. Clear your schedule and take care of yourself—it’s absolutely vital to your leadership that you continue to grow and develop; a task that can be accomplished only when your tanks are full.

 

Lost love

The last warning sign of impending disaster that leaders need to heed is a move away from their first love and dream. Paradoxically, the hard work of leadership should be fulfilling and even fun. But when leaders lose sight of the dream that compelled them to accept the responsibility of leadership, they can find themselves working for causes that mean little to them. They must stick to what they love, what motivated them at the first, to maintain the fulfilment of leadership.

To make sure that you stay on the track of following your first love, frequently ask yourself these three questions: Why did I initially assume leadership? Have those reasons changed? Do I still want to lead?

 

Heed the signs

The warning signs in life—from stop lights to prescription labels—are there for our good. They protect us from disaster, and we would be foolish to ignore them. As you consider the six warning signs of leadership failure, don’t be afraid to take an honest look at yourself. If any of the warnings rings true, take action today!

The good news is: by paying attention to these signs and heeding their warnings, you can avoid disaster and sustain the kind of leadership that is healthy and fulfilling for both yourself and your followers.

For leaders and their organisations to be successful and avoid leadership failure, these very clear practices must be employed :

Build a strong top team

Develop a clear vision and strategy

Communicate the vision and strategies clearly and consistently

Execute the strategies flawlessly

Lead from your strength and stretch the organisation for success

Various surveys highlight one area that requires special focus: building strong cohesive top teams.  If you don’t have a strong top team that works cohesively, you have a problem.

The building of a strong top team is the key step in a leadership process.   It’s this team that develops the vision and starts the clear, consistent communication of that future goal.  The strategies and plans to support the vision all come from this strong cohesive team.  The groups, from the senior team to the frontline, are aligned in the execution of these strategies, missions and tactics.  Only by starting at the top do you build the culture that executes flawlessly.

 

Lere Baale is a Certified Strategy Consultant at Howes Consulting Group, www.howesgroup.com, and a Director of Business School Netherlands, www.bsn.eu .

Experts Lament Shoddy Policy, Poor Funding in Health Sector

By
Temitope Obayendo
-
0

– As Healthy Living Communications holds Nurse Leaders Forum

Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system will continue to underperform until there is a concrete and sustainable healthcare policy in the country, leading healthcare practitioners have said.

The practitioners who recently converged at an event tagged Healthcare Interactive Forum for Nurse Leaders, organised by Healthy Living Communications, unanimously agreed that loopholes in the nation’s health system must be bridged before progress can be made in healthcare delivery.

L-R: Dr Temitayo Olowookere, Medical Liaison with GSK; Chief Emmanuel Oriakhi, CEO, Healthy Living Communications; Head of School of Nursing, Mrs Olayinka Owolabi, during the programme.

The nation’s healthcare policy, they argued, must help tackle challenges such as infant morbidity and maternal mortality, poor immunisation coverage for children, healthcare financing and the emergence of many substandard hospitals.

Speaking on the topic, “Current challenges in the health sector: The role of nurse leaders”, the Director of Nursing, Ministry of Health, Lagos, Mrs Dorcas Shonibare, highlighted some of the challenges facing the health sector and recommended solutions to them.

Cross section of the participants at the event

Top on the list of the problems are lack of government health policy and inadequate funding to health institutions. These, she said, often lead to proliferation of substandard health facilities, which mostly cause poor diagnosis and mortality of the citizens.

The nursing director who was represented by the Head of School of Nursing, Mrs Olayinka Owolabi, said “As far as this nation is concerned, there is no policy backing up healthcare, and this is so because, it is not in the character of those on the corridors of power to have evidence-based policy”.

She stated further that having a qualitative healthcare policy starts from the bottom to the top and also from the top to the bottom.

“By ‘down up’, I mean, as end-users, we should know what obtains in the health sector. And if health practitioners don’t have data, we would not be able to categorically tell the government that this is what is happening in the sector. But if our advocacy is evidence-based, with facts and figures to policy makers, then and then can true change occur in the sector”.

She also identified corruption as one of the major challenges facing the sector, with cases of round pegs in square holes, noting that this needs to be corrected for the populace to have access to quality healthcare services.

“After sharing the budget to the different parastatals, are they judiciously distributed to the different units? Accountability at every level is required in the health sector,” she said.

Also speaking at the forum, Dr Temitayo Olowookere, medical liaison officer at GSK, flayed the government for not making allocation for vaccination in the 2017 budget, noting that this is one of the reasons Nigeria perpetually lags behind in immunisation records.

Olowokere, who has special interest in immunisation, noted that there are 30 immunisation-preventable diseases but less than 50 percent of the children born in Nigeria are vaccinated against these ailments due to some government procedures and cultural barriers.

The medical expert also pointed out that Nigeria is yet to commence the newly introduced two-dose measles vaccine for children at nine and 18 months respectively. This, he said, is due to low immunisation outcomes in Nigerian.

He added that, presently, basic vaccination has only recorded 44 percent success in the country, whereas the new measles two-dose can only be administered in nations with 80 percent immunisation outcomes.

Other factors for this poor immunisation records, he said, include low morale of healthcare workforce due to poor remuneration, as well as poor data and planning, warning that if these issues are not addressed immediately, the health of the citizens may continue to deteriorate.

The convener of the event, Chief Emmanuel Oriakhi, CEO, Healthy Living Communications, and coordinator, Nurse Leaders Forum (NLF) urged the nurse leaders never to despair about the current economic situation but rather think through on how to improve their skills.

He reminded them on the objectives of the forum, which are: to review issues affecting professional development in the nursing profession; examine issues of national importance to healthcare delivery as it relates to the nursing profession in Nigeria; and review industry professional developments as it affects nursing practice and healthcare institutions and others.

He equally announced to the participants that, starting from next year, there will be CPD accreditation for all participants from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.

OAU Pharmacy Alumni Class ’87 Donates 150 KVA Generator to Faculty

By
-
1

…Holds 30 years reunion anniversary

In a bid to give back to the institution that produced them, the Pharmacy Alumni Association, Set ‘87, of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, has donated and commissioned a 150 KVA generator to the faculty to support academic activities and aid better learning.

The event, which saw ex-students of the faculty from the 1987 set from within and outside Nigeria converge to reminisce about old times and discuss ways to assist the school, took place in the premises of the faculty.

 

Pharm. Chris Ehimen (Middle), and some lecturers during the commissioning of the 150 KVA Generator for the faculty..jpg

 

Speaking at the commissioning, the national chairman, OAU Pharmacy Alumni, Set ‘87, Pharm. Chris Ehimen, who led other members, said the visit which was like an homecoming was meant to mark the 30th anniversary of their graduation from the university, reunite with old colleagues and provide support to the faculty.

He explained that that the reason for purchasing such a massive generator was because of the epileptic power supply in the country which he said constitutes a major challenge in an academic environment.

 

Cross section of OAU Pharmacy Alumni, Class of 1987, with some lecturers from the faculty of Pharmacy, OAU, Ile-Ife, Osun State

 

“We found out that the faculty had a new building which was built and commissioned in 2014, but many facilities were not there, including a generator. This was making learning very difficult, especially for a faculty like Pharmacy.

“So we thought electricity is the most important thing, especially in a country like ours. We agreed on it and it was purchased. Although it was very expensive, we thought nothing was too much to give back to a faculty that had made us who we are today,” he said.

Speaking further, Ehimen disclosed that the idea for the association was initiated in 2014 by a group of five people who met somewhere in the United States and thought that there was need to relive old memories by having a get-together with former colleagues.

He added that the association had since celebrated four reunion anniversaries from 2014, when the first was held in the US. He also revealed that the members had increased to 90 active members, adding that plans were being intensified to bring in the few remaining ones.

Reacting to the gesture of the ex-students, Dean of the faculty, Prof. Clement Adeleke Adebajo, who was present with other principal lecturers in the faculty, appreciated the group for deeming it fit to assist the faculty when it needed it most, adding that the donation of the generating set was the beginning of good things to come to the faculty,

“When we moved into this new faculty building, nothing, not even a chair was given to us, but God provided an helper who assisted us in equipping our offices and classes, to the extent that we now have libraries and are well equipped.

“However, when the issue of generating electricity came up, it became a serious challenge to us. I am therefore so happy that I am witnessing as well as commissioning not just a generator, but a 150 KVA generating set,” he said.

The faculty head also urged pharmacy students to learn from those who have graduated and are making the institution proud in their respective fields, while equally imploring other sets to learn from Set ‘87.

 

Also speaking Mr Setofunmi Alo, the national president, PANS, thanked Set ‘87 for the gesture, saying he was hopeful that, with the commissioning of the generating set, learning would become easier for students of the faculty.

The highpoint of the event was the visit of the alumni to the office of the vice chancellor, Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede.  Those present at the event included the national chairman, Pharm. Chris Ehimien; Pharm. Olufunmilayo Agbetuyi; Pharm. Babatunde Sokoyi; Pharm. Bimpe Gbaiye; Pharm. Gbemi Sokoju; Pharm. Tolu Olaniyan; Pharm. Tola Ogunmefun; Pharm. Gafar Lanre; Pharm. Taiwo Ogundipe; Pharm. Olakunle Odesanya; Pharm. Adesoji Adegbite; Pharm. Oladipo Bamidele; Pharm. Adedayo Alagbe; Pharm. Olusoye Favour; Pharm. Tony Oyawole; Pharm. Hassan Adegoke; Pharm. Mustapha Olajuwon and Pharm. Olufisayo Sotire.

Selling With Kindness

By
Admin
-
2

Selling with kindness is a win-win, customer-focused process, driven by genuine thoughtfulness and honesty; creating mutual value for both buyer and seller. It is selling to people the way we want to be sold to. It is more of building relationship, based on trust, mutual respect, and love, rather than just engaging in transactions.

Selling with kindness helps sales people and their organisations to improve customer loyalty to their brands, overcome buying fears and enhance the brand reputation of businesses. When I do Selling with Kindness training for salespeople and marketers, they also find out that it is a win-win approach to selling for them and their customers.

In our world of fierce competition, salespeople and organisations must truly care about their customers’ interest if they really want to be the leader in their market in the long run. The customer is the king in any enterprise. The customer pays the employees, the management and the shareholders. Therefore, increasing customer loyalty and trust to a brand is the bottom-line for any serious business.

Business is all about increasing sales and reducing expenses. Again, customers do not care about our products or services until they know we care about them. Period!

 

Ethics of selling with kindness

I normally discuss the seven ethics of selling with kindness during my training because selling is a serious business and it determines the success or failure of an enterprise. However, let me just share three important ethics any sales person or organisation that is determined to increase sales and achieve customer loyalty should be mindful of.

Selling is a mutual exchange of value. Selling is a process of exchange of benefits, not features. A business must always strive hard not just to meet customers’ satisfaction but exceed it. And this has more to do with caring and integrity than with product or service. It’s more of how we sell, not what we sell.

Selling isn’t something we do to people; it’s something we do for and with people. When salespeople realise that they are not simply doing their customers a favour but that they are also benefitting from the relationship, they tend to be more considerate and compassionate prior, during and after selling.

Long term selling success is building relationship with your clients or customers based on trust and rapport. People buy from people they trust, respect and appreciate.

 

Categories of customers

People are different. The same applies to customers. If you’ve ever sold anything, whether as a sales rep or as a marketing executive, then, you would agree with me that customers exhibit different behaviours. The crucial question is why? Simple. Buyers have different emotions, beliefs, experiences, personalities and characters. And until we can operate from their functioning zone and influence them positively, we may not get the best out of the relationship.

Here are my four unique classifications of customers, based on my years of research.

The highly friendly people: These are customers that can easily smile at you and play with you. They like people and crave recognition and acceptance. Their greatest fear is rejection.

The result-oriented people: These are go-getters. They are action-driven and waste no time in making decisions. They are highly successful people. Their greatest fear is regret.

The highly organised people: These people take their time to make decisions. They are interested in the process more than the end result. Their greatest fear is making a mistake.

The well-detailed people: These people want all the facts and figures. They often probe more and dig deep for more information. Their greatest fear is making a wrong decision.

 

Customers are a combination of two or three of these traits but one of them is dominant than the others.

 

Qualities of successful salespeople

There are four dominant traits of highly successful people, regardless their locations, products or services. They are:

Smart Goal Clarity: They set clear daily, weekly, monthly and yearly goals that inspire them to go to work. They have clear aspirations and direction as they go through life.

Strong Achievement Drive: Due to their high goal clarity they are able to unleash the hunger to become more and achieve more. They show high desire and commitment towards life, sales and success.

Sound Emotional Intelligence: They understand why people do what they do and how best to respond to people’s wants and needs.

Sincere Social Skills: They ask the right questions from customers, listen to them, care for them and show sincere understanding of their needs or wants. They see the world through other people’s eyes and think and act like others do.

 

ACTION PLAN: How can you develop the qualities of highly successful people? How can you sell to people the way they want to be sold to?

 

AFFIRMATION: I sell with kindness and integrity. I am blessed and highly favoured.

To be continued…

De Royal Treet Donates 171 First Aid Kits

By
-
2

As part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme, De Royal Treet Pharmacy, a Lagos-based outlet, recently gave out 171 first aid kits to the 57 local governments, political parties and local council development areas in Lagos.

Speaking exclusively with Pharmanews at the launch of the CSR campaign in Ikorodu, where 12 first aid kits were donated to six local government development areas, founder and CEO of the pharmacy, Pharm. Mutiat Adegoke-Sanusi, disclosed that the idea of giving out the kits became necessary when she discovered that most of the local councils did not have them.

According to Adegoke-Sanusi, who had worked briefly at Airforce Medical Centre, Ikeja, before opening her own pharmacy, the gesture was “a precautionary measure to respond to emergency cases that may occur at any time before hospital intervention. Secondly, we believe that it will help lessen tension and foster relationship between local government officials and community pharmacists in each region.”

She further clarified that the initiative was purely humanitarian without any personal or political agenda.

“This has nothing to do with APC or PDP because I am not a card-carrying member of any political party. We are only seeking to give back to the community at the grassroots level, especially now that local government chairmanship and councillorship elections gather momentum as part of our corporate social responsibility.

“As a fellow Nigerian, I grew up in Lagos and still see every Lagosian as member of my constituency. Beyond local governments and council development areas, we will also be donating first aid kits to police stations and hospitals too, as the need arises,” she said.

The six beneficiaries of the inaugural donation were Ikorodu Central, Ikorodu North, Ikorodu West, Igbogbo, Ijede and Imota Local Council Development Areas. Each of the council representatives were given three first aid boxes.

Founded in 1993, De Royal Treet began as Hasmut Pharmacy before taking up its new name, in order accommodate other arms of the business such as events management and rentals.

Prof. Emmanuel Ibezim is our personality for August

By
Admin
-
4

Emmanuel Chinedum Ibezim is a professor of Pharmaceutics at the University Of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Enugu State.

Born on 16 January, 1964, Ibezim attended Amaimo High School, Ikeduru, Imo State, where he obtained the West African Senior School Certificate, before proceeding to UNN the same year for his B.Pharm programme (1980-1985). He returned to the same institution in 1987 for his M.Pharm and, later, his PhD in Physical Pharmaceutics (1990-1995).

Prior to his meritorious career in the academia, Prof. Ibezim had worked with various other organisations and institutions, including: General Hospital, Owerri as pupil pharmacist (1985-1986); Chanpharm, Jos, superintendent pharmacist (1986-1987); Jomaf Pharmacy, Kaduna, superintendent pharmacist (1987-1989); Akukris Pharmacy, Nsukka, part-time superintendent pharmacist; and Science Laboratory Training Scheme, UNN, part-time lecturer (1996-1998).

He is a member of several learned societies and associations, including: Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Nigerian Association of Academic Pharmacists (NAAP), Nigerian Society of Pharmacognosy (NSP), Foundation for African Development Through International Biotechnology, Indian Pharmaceutical Congress Association (associate member), Association of Carbohydrate Chemists of India (associate member), New York Academy of Sciences, Third World Academy of Sciences (Fellow), World Association of Medical Editors (WAME), and and International Council of Science Editors (CSE).

His numerous awards comprise: Nominee for 1000 Outstanding Scientists of the 21st Century, American Biographical Institute (2002);  mention in Marqui’s Who is Who in American Science and Technology (1998), post doctoral fellowship award, Central Drug Research Institute Lucknow, India (1998/1999); mention in Outstanding Scientists of the 21st Century (2001); research fellowship award to Institute of Macromolecules, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (2000); and Fellow, Institute of Industrial Administration of Nigeria (2008).

Ibezim has authored and co-authored several publications, and is presently editor-in-chief, Journal of Pharmaceutical and Allied Sciences; editor, Proceedings of the Mandatory Continuing Professional Education for Practising Pharmacists; editor-in-chief, Nigerian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research; editorial assistant, African Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Development; editorial board member, Journal of Catholic Nurses of Nigeria, among others.

Married with five children, his hobbies include writing and reading of Christian literature, play-acting, singing and playing of musical equipment.

Fola Tayo urges Hospital Pharmacists to Be Proactive

By
Temitope Obayendo
-
0

-As AHAPN holds 19th National Scientific Conference

For the nation to feel the impact of pharmacists through the reduction of national drug index and provision of proven pharmaceutical care intervention, pharmacists must take their rightful place in the healthcare delivery system, Professor Fola  Tayo, pro-chancellor and chairman of Council, Caleb University has said.

Fola Tayo who was the Chairman of the opening ceremony at the 19th annual national conference of the Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists of Nigeria (AHAPN) held in Lagos, bemoaned the current situation of things among the pharmacists, saying they have played the underdog for too long, that it is time to act.

Comparing the practice in Nigeria with what obtains in developed climes of the world; he noted that the only way through which pharmacists can make themselves relevant is through making lauding contributions in the formulation of policies and other issues as related to healthcare.”Let your input be felt, even when you are not invited, sketch out an idea and bring something to the table”.

The National Chairman, AHAPN, Pharm. Martins Oyewole, welcomed all delegates to the conference stating the vision and mission of the group is all encompassing, with the focus on capacity building, peer-review activities, which is not only expedient but mandatory.

On the theme of the programme, “Hospital and Administrative Pharmacy and National Development”, he said its not only apt but also timely at this stage in our national history. “As our nation is coming out of recession, looking inwards in meeting the pharmaceutical care needs of Nigerians is the way to go”

 

 

NAPharm Celebrates Juli on His Birthday, Presents a Giant Portrait

By
Temitope Obayendo
-
0

It was a colourful but quiet birthday celebration for the Foundation President of Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAPharm) Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi OFR, mni, FNAPharm, in Lagos on 2 August 2017, as members of NAPharm presented him with a giant portrait.

The Former Health Minister, who was celebrated on his 77th birthday, expressed his immense gratitude to all members of the academy for their immeasurable love they have showered on him on his special day.

Among the representatives of the academy who presented the gift were:  Pharm. Lekan Asuni, Pharm. Paul Enebeli, Prof. Fola Tayo, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi, Sir Ike Onyechi and Pharm. ’Lere Baale.

Meanwhile, felicitations have continued to pour in from all states of the federation and beyond.Top among the greetings were from the PSN President, Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai, Chief & Mrs. Olu Akinkugbe; Pharmanews NG; Prof C I Igwilo and family, Pharm.  Kunle Ekundayo; Pharm Okey Akpa; Prof Amarauche Chukwu;Prof. Chinedum Peace Babalola; and others.

L-R: Pharm. Lekan Asuni, Pharm. Paul Enebeli, Prof. Fola Tayo, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi, Sir Ike Onyechi and Pharm. ’Lere Baale.

The warm greetings from the stable of the PSN President described the celebrant as the pride of pharmacy profession.” We cherish your accomplishments as a Former Minister of Health, Past President of PSN, and Foundation President of Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy etc. We are really proud of you and thanks for been a source of inspiration and positive role model. We join millions of your well wishers to wish you happy 77th birthday Anniversary. Wishing you more returns in good health and prosperity”.

Prof C I Igwilo and family also acknowledged the wonders of God’s grace in the life of the celebrant as they wished him abundant of such grace.”We sincerely appreciate the mercies and grace of God upon you and your entire family. God will always honour you for your labour in pharmacy and our nation. You will continue to flourish in all areas of your lives. The Lord Jesus Christ is your source of life. You will continue to bring forth fruit in old age to show that the Lord is your Rock. Congratulations!”

Chief & Mrs. Olu Akinkugbe wished the prince hearty congratulations.

The Managing Director, Drug Field Pharmaceuticals felicitated with him, saying he is worth more than gold.

For Prof. Chinedum Peace Babalola , immediate past dean,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, the 77th birthday of Prince Juli is double 7 and double perfection.  “We are very thankful to God for keeping you to see this special birthday and for blessing your family, pharmacists and well wishers with your life and presence. We are fortunate. May the good Lord continue to be good to you and kind to us s by granting you more fruitful and blissful years in earth.”

Prof Amarauche Chukwu also wished him many more years in good health & strength to lead and serve in JESUS mighty name

 

 

 

Good Morals Necessary For Studying And Practicing Pharmacy-PANS President,MAU

By
-
0

Vitalis Arinzechukwu Nwatu is president of the Pharmaceutical Association of Nigeria Students (PANS), Madonna University, Elele, Rivers State. In this interview with Pharmanews, the 500 Level pharmacy student discussed the peculiarities of studying in a private institution in Nigeria, the achievements of his administration and ways to improve pharmacy education in Nigeria. Excerpts:

Looking back at your childhood aspirations, would you say studying Pharmacy has been a good decision for you?

Yes, studying Pharmacy has been a good decision for me. Growing up, I had always wanted to study a physical sciences course. However, with the help of my family and friends who gave me some convincing reasons why they think it a health-related course is good, I chose to study Pharmacy.

Another source of inspiration and motivation for me was Prof. (Mrs) Dora Akunyili of blessed memory. She was my role model, who inspired me to aspire to be a 7-star pharmacist.

What prompted your decision to study in a private institution as against a public one?

When I was leaving secondary school, I wanted an institution that would be free of incessant strikes, a university whose students graduated in record time, as well as where students would be equipped both academically and morally. I had always believed I could get this from a good private university, especially as studying pharmacy requires having good morals to practice efficiently and effectively.

This is not to say that public universities are not good. They also produce good scholars but I prefer private especially because of the reduction in strikes.

Tell us some of your achievements and challenges since you became president of PANS, Madonna University.

To the glory of God, with the support of the faculty and the university, PANS, Madonna University, was able to organise a health programme themed: “Free malaria and worms, free a man.” It was an awareness and public enlightenment initiative on public health.

A football league programme themed: “Dispensers League” was also organised and it was a success. We equally organised a programme to advocate and foster unity, oneness, and togetherness among pharmacy students, which is my primary aim as a servant leader with the help of the PANS national president, Comrade Alo Setofunmi.

We are now planning to organise a health symposium that will target both students of pharmacy and students from other health-related courses.

In terms of challenges, since I was appointed president, the major challenge has been restrictions on some activities – the institution being a private one – which compels us to leave the school premises. Students here are not allowed to leave the school premises (for safety reasons) without a very valid excuse; thus our own PANS as a body was not fully recognised.

What is your assessment of pharmacy education in Madonna University?

Studying Pharmacy in Madonna University is the best thing that can happen to any human being. The school was founded by the admirable Rev. Fr. Prof. E. M. P. Edeh (CSSP, OFR) in a bid to salvage the gross decay in university education, especially that of pharmacy education. The founder sought to combine provision of holistic education in the school of pharmacy, through the distinguished leadership and effort of the founding dean, Prof. P. I. Akubue, who helped to build an enviable school of pharmacy that has empowered students, not only in formal education but also in sound morals necessary to be a well-trained 7-star pharmacist. This is why Madonna is called “An institution with a difference. The school has what it takes to mould students in all aspects of Pharmacy in order to practise with confidence.

What is your general view of the current state of pharmacy education in Nigeria and what do you think government can do to improve the situation?

In the last four decades we have witnessed development in pharmacy education in Nigeria. The paradigm shift in the role of the pharmacist from a product-oriented practitioner to a patient-oriented one requires that the overall education of pharmacists be reorganised to meet the increasing changing roles. This I must say is a great improvement but we can do better than that if we join hands as men of honor and take pharmacy education in Nigeria to a greater height.

 

What aspects of pharmacy education do you want the leadership of PSN and other stakeholders to address urgently and why?

One of the grey areas in pharmacy education is the increase in ethics violation. Ethical standards have always held an important place in pharmacy practice. From the medieval herbalist to the modern pharmacy practitioner, pharmacists have always been valued and trusted members of the society.

Part of the reason for this increase in ethics violations today is that information is so quickly and readily available. We have stories about pharmacists who bend the rules. Things like, selling a little too much terpin hydrate with codeine; scrapping the word “sample” off birth control packages and selling them; dropping pills on the floor and invoking the five seconds rule; selling syringes against our better judgment to avoid a hassle; moving “important” customers to the front of the line; allowing unauthorised practitioners to write prescription for themselves or their family members for drugs that are not within their scope of practice etc. You will agree with me that all these are ethically wrong and our leaders should help end it.

When you finish from pharmacy school, which area of practice in pharmacy would you consider and why?

There is no area that would be a problem for me, but I would like to join my colleagues in the academia or the administrative pharmacists. This is to enable me contribute to restoring the lost glories of the profession.

Where do you see PANS in Madonna University by the time you will be leaving office as the president?

Since I became the president of PANS here, I have tried to set an enviable standard that will ensure better opportunities for pharmacy students and enable them achieve their potentials. Today, I see PANS in this institution as a foremost advocacy association for pharmacy students. My plan is to continue to build this association so that it can foster oneness, unity, and togetherness among pharmacy and non-pharmacy students.

Yakasai, Others Hail Pharmanews’ Emergence As Best Health Journal

By
-
0

-As Ohuabunwa, Emzor, Medplus, others win in other categories

In yet another recognition of its outstanding contribution to health journalism in Nigeria and beyond, Pharmanews has been declared Best Healthcare Medium (Print) of the Year by the Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Awards (NHEA).

Living up to its reputation as the leading global health journal, the 38-year-old publication beat the likes of THISDAY, Pharma Times, Med-Q and Health Box to clinch the prestigious award.

The colourful presentation ceremony, which took place at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on 23 June, 2017 had several doctors, pharmacists, nurses, officials of health management organsations (HMOs) and other stakeholders in the health sector in attendance.

Prior to the announcement of winners in the various award categories, organisers of the event disclosed that a number of factors, such as online voting by the public, input by its board of advisors, as well as contributions from healthcare providers were considered before deciding on award winners.

Dr Anthony Omolola, chairman, Advisory Board for the 2017 award, said that the award had gained confidence following increased recognitions and active participation of the industry stakeholders.

“Since inception in 2014, NHEA has engendered more awareness and focus on quality and standard of services provided by several health stakeholders in the industry by inspiring them to adopt international best practices and aspire to be the benchmark for excellent healthcare delivery in Nigeria and Africa in general”, Dr. Omolola said.

Receiving the award amidst a standing ovation, Dozie Atueyi, executive director of Pharmanews Limited, declared that the honour being accorded the company was a result of the revolutionary vision the founder, Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi, whose resilience has seen the publication weather the storm in the last 37 years.

This latest feat by Pharmanews has since continued to attract an avalanche of congratulatory messages from within and outside the health sector.

Leading the train of well-wishers was Pharm Ahmed Yakasai, president, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) who noted that the impact of Pharmanews in the health industry has been tremendous.

Alo Setofunmi Adeyinka, president, Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students (PANS), equally noted that, even without the latest recognition, it was an established fact that Pharmanews had been blazing the trail in health journalism for more than three decades.

Reuben Emelone and Adamma Obikili, both pharmacists, disclosed that the NHEA honour was a landmark achievement for both the managing director and the entire staff of Pharmanews.

In the senior citizens category of the award, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, former managing director of Neimeth Pharmaceuticals and Prof. (Mrs) Ibironke Akinsete, an eminent haematologist, won the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Also, in what came as a surprise to many, Medplus Pharmacy clinched the Pharmaceutical Retail Outlet of the Year award, beating three-time winner of the previous editions of the award, HealthPlus Pharmacy, as well as Nett Pharmacy and Mopheth Pharmacy.

In other categories, Emzor Pharmaceuticals won the Pharmaceutical Operational Excellence Manufacturing Company of the Year award; Healthcare Information Technology Provider of the Year award went to Armpersonal Logistics; Nursing and Midwifery Excellence award was clinched by Prof. Ezekiel Olasunkanmi Ajao of Babcock university; Healthcare Media Award (Electronics) was won by Mary Alale-Yusuf of Health Matters (Channels TV); while Diamond Bank picked the Healthcare friendly Financial Institution of the Year award.

Additionally, Safermom won Pharmaaccess Innovative Healthcare Service Provider of the Year; while the Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO) of the Year category was won by Total Health Trust Limited. Lagoon Hospitals won Private Healthcare Provider of the Year. Tertiary Healthcare Provider of the Year went to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano; while Pathcare Laboratories emerged the Private Laboratory Services Provider of the Year.

Other  award categories were Radiology Provider of the Year – Clinix Healthcare Lagos; Dental Service Provider of the Year – Smile 360 Dental Specialist; Eye Care Service Provider of the Year – Eye Foundation Hospital; IVF Service Provider of the Year – Nordica Fertility Centre; Physiotherapy Service Provider of the Year – Body Mechanics Physiotherapy and Wellness Centre; and Dialysis Service Provider of the Year – Renal Dialysis Limited

 

Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi: Unparalleled Luminary Of The Pharmacy Profession

By
Solomon Ojigbo
-
1

There can be no better way to begin an account of the life and accomplishments of Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, OFR, mni than to borrow the following expression of a renowned reformer: “Great people and champions are special gifts of God, whom He gives and preserves; they do their work, and achieve great actions, not with vain imaginations, or cold and sleepy cogitations, but by motion of God.”

Even the most cursory acquaintance with the contributions of Juli (as he is fondly called by his peers) to the Nigerian pharmaceutical industry and the health sector as a whole would reveal that he is indeed  a man driven by the motion of God and the mentality of greatness. And it is no coincidence that he is regarded as one of the most accomplished pharmacists and entrepreneurs of our time.

To begin with, Prince Juli was the first and remains the only pharmacist to have become minister of health in Nigeria. He was appointed Minister of Health and Social S ervices during the interim government of Dr Ernest Shonekan in 1993. He is also the chairman of Juli Plc (formerly Juli Pharmacy Limited), the first indigenously promoted company in Nigeria to be quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

Prince Juli and Julia his wife

Juli actually pioneered the idea of pharmaceutical chain stores in Nigeria with Juli Pharmacy Ltd, a company he established in 1972. The company is reputed for providing services in retail, wholesale and importation of pharmaceutical products. Due to his business ingenuity, he was able to grow the company rapidly, and by 1985, the enterprise already had 22 branches nationwide. His uncommon entrepreneurial acumen attracted the attention of the then Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, and was given a letter of commendation for leadership in indigenous enterprise, following the 1986 feat at the NSE.

 

Strides in pharmacy leadership

Julie is a Fellow and pioneer president of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAPharm), as well as the founding secretary-general of the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists (WAPCP). He served as secretary and president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria at different times. And as should be expected of an astute leader, his tenure was characterised by several innovations, one of which was the composition of the Pharmacy Anthem.

Like many super-achievers of his calibre, Juli’s rise to prominence did not happen overnight. Records have it that he had always demonstrated profound understanding and mastery of the art of leadership from his youth. He was an outstanding student and youth leader at the local, national and international levels. He served as vice president of the International Affairs of the National Union of Nigerian Students (NUNS) in 1964. He also served as the president of the Pharmaceutical Association of Nigeria Students (PANS).

At the international level, he was elected by student organisations worldwide, gathered at their Annual Conference at Christ church, New Zealand, as secretary general of the world student body, the International Students Conference (ISC) based in Leiden, Holland, in 1965. In this capacity he built student union organisations in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. This took him to over 143 countries and, as the quick-thinking strategist  that he has always been,  he seized the opportunity to become multilingual. Presently, he speaks English, French, Dutch, Portuguese, Spanish, Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba.

Pushing the frontiers of excellence

Although a pharmacist by profession, the prince proved the vastness of his versatility when he ventured into the legal profession because of his love for justice and fairness. He emerged best graduating student of the Nigerian Law School class of 1987 and subsequently became a member of the Black Table of the Chambers of Chief F.R.A Williams. He has been in pro bono legal practice, providing free legal aid to prisoners and the underprivileged for many years.

Prince Juli has left prodigious legacies and has served in top positions in many sectors of the Nigerian society aside pharmacy and healthcare. He was the first District Governor of Rotary Club in Nigeria. He is also a past president, Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce, past president, Alumni Association of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (AANIPSS), past chairman, National Council for Population and Environmental Activities, and past chairman, Odu’a Investment Limited.

He has also served on the Board of many companies and corporations, including the National Council for Intergovernmental Relations, Nigerian Conservation Foundation, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Nigerian Institute of Management, University of Ibadan Governing Board, etc. Currently, he is a Director of MTN foundation.

 

Background and education

Adelusi-Adeluyi was born into the royal family of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, on 2 August, 1940. He had his elementary education at St. George’s Catholic Primary School, Ado Ekiti, from 1946 to 1952. He attended St Thomas Aquinas College, also in Akure (1953 – 1957) for his secondary education. From there, he got admission to the Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology, Ibadan (1959– 1961).

His venture into pharmacy began in 1962 when he was admitted to study pharmacy among the pioneering set of students into the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife), from 1962 to 1965.

Prince Juli is a prolific writer and consummate reader. He has, to his credit, several publications in health and pharmacy, among which are Drug Control, Import and Storage (Continuing Education, Ife, 1976); You Are Welcome To My Profession, Pharmacy (television broadcast, 1979); Public Relations in Pharmacy (PSN, 1979); Medicines: Practical Problems Involved In Their Delivery to the Patients In Developing Countries (International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) Madrid, Spain; Pharmacy in the West Africa Region: Problems and Prospects (W.A.P.F 1986); and The Pharmacist and Private Sector in Essential Drugs Programme (PSN, Benin, 1986).

Prince Juli is a devout catholic. He is married to Juliana Omosalewa Adelusi-Adeluyi, his childhood heartthrob, and they are blessed with children and grandchildren.

Gov. Lalong, Yakasai, Others Task Pharmacists On Nation Building

By
-
1

Eminent Nigerians, including Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong and President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai, have tasked community pharmacists in the country to make more contributions to nation building, noting that all players in the health sector must be committed and dedicated to their professions for the nation to be productive and healthy.

The charge was given at the opening ceremony of the recent 36th Annual National Conference of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), tagged “Jos City 2017” and held at Eliel Centre Limited, Gold and Base, Jos, Plateau State.

Governor Lalong, who was the guest of honour at the event, said he was delighted that community pharmacists across the country chose the state as the venue of the conference, noting that the gesture was an acknowledgement of the efforts of his government towards safeguarding lives and properties, as well as boosting infrastructural development in the state.

Assuring the ACPN of his support towards improving the healthcare delivery system in the state, Lalong, who was represented by his deputy, Prof. Sonni Gwanle Tyoden, stated that community pharmacists have so much to do to ensure that the pharmaceutical needs of the nation’s teeming populace are met.

Noting that the conference came at a time that the country was in dire need of development in all ramifications, the governor said he believed the event was an opportunity for members of the association to discuss issues bordering on the improvement of healthcare sector and pharmacy practice in the country.

He equally thanked the leadership of the ACPN for bestowing upon him the ‘Good Governance’ award, saying that the recognition was not only for him, but for the entire people of the state.

Speaking in the same vein, chairman of the occasion, Dr (Mrs) Dame Pauline Tallen, a former deputy governor in the state, noted that the theme of the ACPN conference was strategic as it came at a time the nation needed serious improvement in the healthcare sector, adding that the choice of Plateau State for the conference was also a very good decision as the state is arguably the most peaceful and beautiful state in the country.

In her words: “Health, they say, is wealth, so I am happy with what community pharmacists are doing today, especially for choosing a theme that will make us reflect on where we are coming from, where we are presently, and what the future holds in store for the profession and for the nation in general.

“I am delighted to be part of this epoch-making event, taking place in an historic city of Jos, and I am hopeful that at the end of our stay here in the state, we would have realised that there is need for us to do more than we are doing presently, in order to make this country great.”

PSN president, Pharm. (Alh) Ahmed Yakasai, who also commended the choice of the theme for the conference, noted that the conference was unique as it was the first time in a decade a conference of that magnitude was being hosted in the city of Jos.

Assuring community pharmacists of maximum support from the PSN and other relevant stakeholders, Yakasai said: “To meet the ever-changing needs of the public, the PSN is ready to continue to partner with ACPN and regulatory authorities like the PCN, NAFDAC and others to strengthen pharmacy practice, especially in the community.

“I want to state unequivocally that PSN is ever determined and committed to the entrenchment of ideals that will advance the practice of pharmacy, and we are ready to achieve this by constructively engaging various stakeholders and regulators like, PCN, NAFDAC, FMOHs, and others through robust advocacy.”

Speaking earlier, National Chairman of ACPN, Dr Albert Kelong Alkali said that he was delighted that the conference was able to hold in the state, not only because it is his home state, but because it was an opportunity to introduce the new Plateau State to the world.

He noted that the conference  offered good opportunity for community pharmacists who had been working since the beginning of the year to unwind and learn, adding that the theme for this year was carefully crafted to reflect the present reality of the country and give a pointer to the future.

Community pharmacists he said, are members of the health care team that are closest and most accessible to the public, adding that ACPN members shall continue to collaborate with other members of the healthcare team to achieve better health for all Nigerians.

The highpoint of the event was the presentation of award of excellence to the executive governor of Plateau State. This was done by the president of PSN, Alh Ahmed Yakasai and the keynote speaker, Pharm. (Sir) Iyke Onyechi, founder and managing director, Alpha Pharmacy and Stores Limited.

The conference had in attendance several other personages from the health care sector and other walks of life, including the Gbong Gwom Jos, HRH, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, who was represented by HRH, Rev. Dr Isaac Wakili, Agom Izere; Catholic Archbishop of Jos, Rev. Dr Ignatius Kaigama, who was represented by Rev. Fr. Daniel Pwajok; Commissioner for Health, Plateau State, Dr. Kamshak Kuden; Pharm. Anthony Aikhmien, former president, PSN; Pharm. Olumide Akintayo, immediate past president, PSN; Pharm. Deji Osinoiki, former national chairman, ACPN; Pharm. (Dr) Ejiro Foyibo, former national chairman, ACPN; Pharm. (Alh) Olufemi Ismail Adebayo, immediate past national chairman, ACPN; Pharm. (Mrs) Emily Olalere, who represented the PCN Registrar, Pharm. Elijah Mohammed; Group Captain S.A Adelakun, Commandant, Airforce Millitary School, Jos; Pharm. Iyiola Gbolagade, national secretary, PSN; Pharm. Samuel Adekola, national vice-chairman, ACPN among others.

Nigerian Hospitals Still Unprepared For Disease Outbreaks – Idris

By
-
0

Less than three years after the country survived the dreaded Ebola outbreak, a medical expert has hinted that Nigerian hospitals are still unprepared to effectively handle another disease outbreak

Speaking at the first inaugural lecture and dinner of the Global Infectious Diseases Initiative, held 7 July, 2017 at Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos, Dr Jide Idris, Lagos State commissioner for health lamented the deplorable state of facilities in the health sector, saying there is still much work to be done.

Idris disclosed during the symposium tagged “Infectious Diseases: Awareness & Meditation Through Collaboration,” and held in partnership with College of Medicine, University of Lagos (UNILAG), that he got first-hand insight into the present deplorable state of equipment during a recent facility tour of hospitals in the country.

“With what I saw, I can say we are not fully prepared. Apparently, we have not learnt much from the outbreak of Ebola in this country. In most of these hospitals, patients come and go. No accurate medical record or proper record of drugs prescribed. We need to have a change of attitude to the way we work in this country,” he said.

In a related development, Prof. Folashade Ogunshola, UNILAG deputy vice chancellor (development services) declared that many health professionals in Nigeria need to embark on refresher courses or some other forms of retraining.

According to her, it is now common knowledge that when people don’t have malaria, typhoid is usually the next call of diagnosis on the health professional’s mind.

“But in truth, we often discover that most people who come to us with complaint of typhoid don’t usually have them. Every patient is deemed healthy until proven otherwise. What we know presently is that malaria is now low in urban centres and high in most rural areas. This is why massive awareness is needed in rural areas. There is a need to discuss with village heads, unions, revered elders and opinion leaders in communities,” she stressed.

Other speakers at the event included Dr Regis Nadin, a Haitian-American emergency medicine physician; Dr Yoav Golan, a practitioner at Tufts Medical Centre, Boston, Massachusetts, United States; Dr Sola Sanusi, trained physician, Texas; Dr Buari Osman, nephrologist, Maryland, United States; and Dr Chira Udoka, public health physician, National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos.

On why the event was held in Nigeria, instead of the United States as it had been in the past, Udoka announced that it was a way of giving back to their homeland.

“The recent findings on diseases, such as malaria, Ebola, and meningitis, which Nigeria will benefit from, will help us to know what we are dealing with,” Udoka said.

The infectious diseases event was facilitated by Dr Folarin Olubowale, a member of the American Board of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases.

Abisogun-Afodu Lecture Launches N36m Endowment Fund for Pharmacy Research, Others

By
-
1

The maiden edition of Ladipo Mobolaji Abisogun-Afodu Annual Lecture which held on 18 July, 2017 at Prof. Ade Ajayi Auditorium of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has thrown open a window of opportunity for professorial candidates seeking scholarship or endowment for research in Pharmacy and Obstetrics/Gynaecology.

It would be recalled that the Board of Trustees for the annual lecture in Pharmacy was inaugurated by UNILAG’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdulrahamon Bello, on 2 June, 2016, in accordance with the instruction of the executors/trustees of the Estate of Chief (Mrs) Abimbola Aina Omololu-Mulele.

L-R: Mrs Angela O. Branco, head of the da Rocha-Afodu clan; Prof Ebenezer Ogunlana, former PSN president and Prof. Bola Silva, dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, UNILAG at the event

The late Mrs Omololu-Mulele is said to have provided, in her last will and testament dated 19 June, 2005, the sum of N36 million for the endowment of two professorial chairs at the University of Lagos in the fields of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Pharmacy.

Reacting to the news, Mrs Ibironke Salaam, director of advancement, University of Lagos, noted that Omololu-Mulele was the first person in the history of the institution to bequeath an endowment, under legacy-giving, to it.

Corroborating this, the institution’s vice-chancellor stated in his speech that “legacy-giving is a rare occurrence in this part of the world; thus the late Mrs Abimbola Aina Omololu-Mulele should be highly commended.”

Bello also lauded the executors of the deceased’s will, particularly Mrs Hairat Ade-Balogun and Mrs Laide Sasegbon for their steadfast support.

He further narrated that when it was clear that the total amount available for the two chairs would not be enough to sustain them in perpetuity, a decision was taken to have it changed to annual lectures to boost the two areas of study in perpetuity.

The annual lecture which was held in conjunction with Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos attracted several pharmacy students, pharmacists and academic staff of the university.

Also in attendance were Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, keynote speaker and president, Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAPharm); Prof. Cecilia Igwilo, Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN); Prof Ebenezer Ogunlana, former PSN president; Pharm. Gbenga Olubowale, immediate past chairman, Lagos PSN; Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi, vice president, Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAPharm) and Prof Fola Tayo, Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria.

Others were Prof. Bola Silva, dean, Faculty of Pharmacy; Prof. Oluwole Familoni, chairman, Board of Trustee, Annual Lecture; Prof. Shade Ogunsola, deputy vice chancellor (Development Services), UNILAG; Emeritus Prof. Taiwo da Rocha-Afodu, professor of surgery, UNILAG College of Medicine; Mrs Modupe Oluwole, former chief pharmacist, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and Mrs Angela O. Branco, head of da Rocha-Afodu clan.

The late Mrs Frederica Abimbola Aina Omololu-Mulele was born to Fredrick Ladipo Mobolaji Benson. Her father did not like to have any English name and this made him to later change his name to Ladipo Mobolaji Abisogun-Afodu; this was in the youth movement era. He was born in Lagos to a father who hailed from Ikorodu, Lagos State, while his mother belonged to the Suenu Chieftaincy Family of Lagos at Isale Eko. Ladipo Mobolaji Abisogun-Afodu was a pharmacist, a member and founder of the Lagos Cricket CIub.

During the 2nd World War in 1940, her father’s boat was torpedoed by the German Submarine U.2 off the Coast of Iceland and all those in the ship perished. He was buried in London. Her mother, Mrs Candida Adenike Afodu was the youngest child of Chief Candido Joa da Rocha.

After the death of her father, her grandfather, da Rocha, took over the upbringing and education of Abimbola and her five siblings from primary school to the University. Da Rocha was a businessman, property and land owner and financier; he lived in the historic Water House, No. 12 Kakawa Street, Lagos. Her siblings are lLate Dr O. da Rocha-Afodu; Mrs A. O. Branco, who is the current head of the da Rocha-Afodu clan; Mr C. O. da Rocha-Afodu; Prof. John Taiwo da Rocha-Afodu, an Emeritus Professor of Surgery, University of Lagos; and Mrs Cecilia Kehinde Somolu.

Abimbola had her early education at the Nursery School of Queens College, Onikan, Lagos; as well as Baptist Academy, Broad Street, Lagos. She then moved on to St. Thomas Catholic Secondary School, Broad Street, Lagos. Mrs Omololu-Mulele attended Trinity College, Dublin and was the first Nigerian female graduate in Law. She was a member of Middle Temple Inn, London.

Abimbola started her career in the civil service as a Crown Counsel. She got married to a career diplomat and judge, late Justice Olusanya Omololu who was a Deputy High Commissioner in the Nigerian High Commission in the United Kingdom. She later bowed to her husband’s wish and resigned her appointment.

In order to satisfy her passion as an educationist, she established ADRAO International School (Abimbola da Rocha Afodu Omololu). Mrs Omololu-Mulele started the school in one of the government houses given to officials at the Lugard Avenue, Ikoyi. She started on 1 July, 1963, with three pupils, one of whom was a member of the family. The school relocated to the present location on Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island in 1964. The formal opening was performed by the late Prime Minister, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa in April 1964.

Many years after the death of her husband, Justice Omololu, Omololu-Mulele married General Guiome Mulele. Her philanthropic spirit was demonstrated in the endowment of thirty-six million naira each for the Late Ladipo Mobolaji Abisogun-Afodu Memorial Lecture in Pharmacy and the Abimbola Omololu-Mulele Memorial Lecture in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at University of Lagos. She made similar endowments to the Obafemi Awolowo University lIe-lfe, Osun State University, a Catholic Seminary and Catholic University, Abuja.

The endowment of Ladipo Mobolaji Abisogun Afodu Memorial Lecture in Pharmacy is in honour of her late father and her commitment to advance the frontiers of knowledge in Pharmacy.

Salvaging The NHIS

By
Admin
-
1

The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) that had long been trailed by claims of inefficiency, has again been in the news in recent weeks for all the wrong reasons.

The scheme, which was established with the primary mandate of providing healthcare delivery solutions across Nigeria, is currently mired in a controversy that has not only led to the suspension of its executive secretary, Usman Yusuf, by the Health Minister, Professor Isaac Adewole, but has also made the duo, together with the House of Representatives, to be at daggers drawn.

It would be recalled that following allegations of financial impropriety levelled against the erstwhile executive secretary, the health minister had ordered his suspension on 6 July, saying that the decision was to allow unhindered investigation of the corruption claims.

Mr Yusuf, who became NHIS boss on 29 July 2016, had been accused of fraud of up to 960 million naira and spending beyond his scope of approval. The embattled secretary however denied any wrongdoing and insisted he would not comply with the suspension order. He also raised his own allegations of corruption against the health ministry.

It is worth noting that Yusuf’s suspension came weeks after the Nigerian Senate had launched its own investigation into the activities of the NHIS boss to uncover how 292 million naira was spent on healthcare training without recourse to any appropriate approving authority.

In a curious twist, however, the House of Representatives, which was also carrying out its own probe of NHIS, faulted the suspension of Mr Yusuf and asked the health minister to reverse the suspension, which it alleged was intended to intimidate and prevent the erstwhile NHIS secretary from testifying before the House Committee on Health Services and further reveal the scam perpetrated in NHIS over the years.

Right now, even though a new acting executive secretary of NHIS, Mr Attahiru Ibrahim has resumed, the gladiators are still flexing muscles over the corruption allegations.

This latest controversy is evidently the last straw that should trigger the much needed overhaul of the operations of the NHIS that many stakeholders have severally called for. More than the current corruption claims and counter-claims, the need for a dissection and eventual restructuring of the operations of the NHIS has become imperative, not only to save it from corruption, but to make it effective and efficient.

The health insurance idea had been initiated in 1962 when the first Minister of Health, Dr M. A. Majekodunmi, presented a bill at parliament for its establishment in Lagos area.  The scheme was eventually created by the NHIS act 35 of 1999 but did not take off properly until 2005 as a result of administrative bottlenecks.

Sadly, the scheme has, down the years, failed to justify its existence, with many putting the blame on operational problems and corruption scandals. Indeed, the fact that the number of Nigerians covered by the scheme after 12 years of operation is still about 1.5 per cent of the population based on NHIS data is a severe indictment on the authorities and personnel that have managed its affairs since its inception and a further confirmation that drastic measures must be taken to rescue it from total collapse.

However, it must be emphasised that any effort to address the rot in the NHIS must begin with the scheme’s defective structure, which puts so much money in the hands of Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs). HMOs are private accredited companies mandated to handle the interface in the relationship between NHIS and service providers (hospitals) who are to serve the enrollees (patients). The HMOs are paid three months in advance on behalf of the enrollees and are expected to pay the hospitals. Investigations have however revealed that many of the HMOs pay little or nothing to the hospitals.

The attendant effect of this anomaly is that enrollees are dissatisfied because they cannot get the value they desire from the scheme. The hospitals are dissatisfied because they are expected to provide services that are not paid for.

But it is not only the current enrollees and the hospitals that are dissatisfied with the NHIS. Pharmacists, laboratory scientists and other health professionals (tagged “secondary providers”) have equally been up in arms against the scheme since its inception. These professionals want to be paid directly by the NHIS for their services and not through the doctors/hospitals who are also poorly paid.

The implication of these grim reports is that majority of Nigerians are dissatisfied with the NHIS. These gales of dissatisfaction must be addressed. Ironically, health insurance schemes, which guarantee citizens’ access to quality healthcare, have been successful in many other countries of the world, including even the low resource ones like Kenya and Rwanda.  Why the case of Nigeria, with its vast human and financial resources, should be different is the height of absurdity.

The onus is on the federal government to not only expeditiously investigate and prosecute those found guilty of malfeasance in the NHIS but to holistically restructure the scheme as its present structure is clearly incapable of providing the healthcare delivery succor that millions of Nigerians urgently need.

Alli Pledges To Take Lagos ALPs To New Levels

By
Temitope Obayendo
-
0

-As Outgoing Executives Set Professional Financial Record

The new Chairperson of the Association of Lady Pharmacists (ALPs) Lagos  State Chapter, Pharm. (Mrs) Modupeore  Sadia Alli, has promised  to make meaningful impact on the association, while calling for the collaboration of all lady pharmacists in the state.

Alli, who described the election of her team of executives as a divine mandate, assured all members of the association of quality administration, adding that she and her team would never betray the confidence reposed in them.

Pharm. Modupeore Alli receiving the ALPs Office Key from Pharm. Modupe Ologunagba, at the event

Speaking shortly after receiving the key to her office, at the Biennial General Meeting and handing over ceremony of the association which took place on 22 June, 2017, at Lagos PSN Secretariat, Ogudu Road, Alli said: “We have taken this calling as an assignment from God and we promise that with your support and cooperation, we will not let you down. So we appeal to all members in the state to join hands with us and take the affairs of ALPs Lagos State as a Ateam work. We need your support; we need your advice and your contribution to move ALPs forward”.

The new ALPs boss commended the dedication and commitment of her predecessors towards keeping the group together, while requesting for their sustained loyalty to the association.

“We are appealing for regular attendance in meetings, as they say, ‘the more we stand, the stronger we become’. We are calling on ALPians to be more committed in their dealings with the association”, she pleaded.

Delivering her handover speech, outgoing chairman of the association, Pharm. Modupe Ologunagba, congratulated the new executives, while  urging them to continue the various ongoing initiatives of the association.

Ologunagba further suggested some tasks for the Alli-led executives. These include: purchase of an association bus for better membership mobilisation and impactful programme outreaches; expansion of office and stable administrative personnel; repackaging of ALPians’ welfare to promote good health, among others.

 

Members of the new Lagos ALPs executives

Applauding the outstanding performance of the outgoing executives, especially in their presentation of a professional financial report, a former chairman of the association, Pharm. (Mrs) Lan  Scholatisca noted that the group had created a record  for  themselves in the history of Lagos ALPs, as they were the first set of executives to forward a professionally written financial report at the end of their tenure.

She noted that the document was a good legacy and could be presented to any corporate body that may want to partner with the association for sponsorship of its programmes and activities, urging the new leaders to learn from them and follow suit.

Other members of the new executives are:  Pharm. Nsese Mfon, vice chairman; Pharm. Olurombi Latifat Adenike, secretary; Pharm. Abisola A. Omotosho, assistant secretary; Alaya Bidemi, financial secretary;  Pharm. Folasade Kolapo, treasurer; Pharm. Hafsah Agbabiaka, welfare officer;  Pharm. Oduwole Yinka,  assistant welfare  officer; Pharm. Ohimor Seliatu Rhoda, public relations officer;  Pharm. Ajani Gbemisola Azeezat, assistant public relations officer; Pharm. Omolara Ebitigha, chief whip; Pharm. Rosemary Achi-kanu, ex-officio officer;  Pharm. Ukamaka Okafor,  ex-officio officer.

How Much of Yourself Do You Know?

By
Ifeanyi Atueyi
-
0

Success does not come accidentally or haphazardly. You must know your strengths, weaknesses and what works best for you. You must take what is special about you into account in your business and personal activities.

The way you work reflects your personality – your behavioural, temperamental, emotional and mental characteristics. Your personal appeal or charisma enables you to influence others.  Adam Smith said, “The first thing you have to know is yourself. A man who knows himself can step outside himself and watch his own reactions like an observer.”

Become attuned to the regular high and low moments of your body’s energy. When are you most alert? When do you usually feel tired and unable to concentrate? You must be aware of such moments and plan your daily activities around your natural body rhythm.

No two persons have the same biological rhythm. For instance, your neighbour may feel all right with five hours of sleep a night, while you cannot do with less than eight hours of sleep. You must know how much sleep you really need.

Some people can get up in the early hours of the morning to study. As a student, I never kept awake after 12.00 midnight to read. I tried it a few times while in the university and experienced headache, tiredness and confusion the following morning. Having decided not to keep awake after midnight, I seized every opportunity to read in the day time. Right from that time, I started avoiding activities that stretch into midnight. However, some of my colleagues were good at studying in the night and still felt normal the following morning. Trying to be like them would have affected me adversely.

Some people experience a dip in energy level after lunch. This is referred to as postprandial dip. However, research has shown that it has nothing to do with lunch. Even without lunch, you could still experience it – just as it happens to me.

On a normal day, my energy is low, especially after lunch period, and I prefer to have siesta. My best day is the one that offers me lunch period and siesta between 2.30 and 4.00 pm. During this period, I avoid serious discussions and meetings and even phone calls. Activities within this period are prone to errors. This is a time I am likely to take wrong decisions. I therefore consider it wise for me to suspend important issues at this period. On the other hand, some people find this period suitable for their meetings or mental exercises.

Sometimes you don’t know what you are capable of doing until you try. Fear of failure can prevent you from trying.  Thomas Edison said, “If we did all things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.” This implies that there are many things you could be doing today and indeed prospering. Instead of envying other people, look inwards and discover yourself. There is a goldmine inside of you, waiting for exploration and only you can do it.

 

Stop thinking that others are always better than yourself.  As a man thinks in his heart, so is he. (Proverbs 23:7).  You are created with some gifts to enable you make a difference. Just continue to exploit your potential and work in the area of your gifts.

When you make excellence your watchword, people will sooner or later notice your efforts. They will notice what only you can do best and they will approach you for your expertise. In this way, your services will be publicised and appreciated.

However, this cannot happen if you don’t know yourself or believe in yourself. Healthy self-esteem is important because some of us think too little of ourselves. On the other hand, some of us overestimate ourselves. The key to an honest and accurate evaluation is knowing the basis of our self-worth – our identity in Jesus Christ.

Romans 12:3-5 says, “For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself  more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we being many, are one body in Christ,  and individually members of one another.”

Outside of Jesus Christ, we are not capable of achieving much. But in Him we are valuable and capable of worthy service. Evaluating yourself by the worldly standard of success and achievement can cause you to think too much about your worth in the eyes of others and thus miss your true value in God’s eyes.

World Hepatitis Day 2017: Nigeria Still Among Countries with Highest Burden

By
Temitope Obayendo
-
0

It’s that time of the year again when all efforts are geared towards stemming the tide of the deadly monster of viral hepatitis. A laudable initiative of the World Health Organisation, it is debateable if stakeholders across the globe are keying into the vision of the apex health institution, as many member countries are yet to reduce their burden.

One of those countries yet to significantly eliminate its load of the viral disease is Nigeria, which still emerged among the 11 countries with about 50% of the global weight of chronic hepatitis. Countries in this group are Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Uganda, and Viet Nam.

Although the WHO has hinted on its plan to publish the profiles of 28 countries on World Hepatitis Day 2017, it noted that despite many challenges, the global effort to eliminate hepatitis is gaining ground. However, major obstacles still remain.

According to a Consultant Gastroenterologist with the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Dr. Olufunmilayo Lesi, Nigeria has one of the highest prevalence of hepatitis B infections in the world.

The expert asserted that with a national prevalence of 10 per cent, no fewer than 20 million Nigerians were living with the disease.

Photo Credit: WHO

Lesi said, “Hepatitis B is very common in Nigeria. The national prevalence is between 10 and 15 per cent. That means that about 20 million Nigerians are living with Hepatitis B.

 

Having its theme as “Eliminate hepatitis”, the activities of this year’s World Hepatitis Day is to build and leverage political engagement following official endorsement of the Global Health Sector Strategy on viral hepatitis at the World Health Assembly 2016.

Highlighting the need for a greater global response as outlined in the WHO’s Global hepatitis report of 2017, it was stated that viral hepatitis is a major global health problem and needs an urgent response.

 

 

FIP’s Chief Executive Officer, Besançon Resigns

By
Temitope Obayendo
-
0

The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) has announced the resignation of  Mr Luc Besancon as Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 November, 2017. Disclosing the development via a press release from The Hague, the organisation revealed that Mr Besançon has decided to pursue other leadership roles in the global health arena.

Appraising the tenure of Besançon , President of FIP, Dr Carmen Peña  said he  has been a tremendous asset to FIP, all through his administration. “Luc resumed the responsibilities as CEO at a time of significant challenges after the unexpected passing of Mr Ton Hoek. During his tenure, Luc effectively led development of new member services and strengthened important relationships with key global health stakeholders such as the WHO. We wish him the very best.”

Speaking about his time at the federation, Mr. Besançon said: “It has been my great privilege and pleasure to have worked with so many inspirational volunteers, whose passion for our profession is the strongest asset of FIP. Key projects preparing FIP for a bright future are now well engaged. As I am considering the next step in my career, it seems that this would be the appropriate time for me to resign from my position as the FIP CEO.”

President Peña has formed a transition team to guide the global search for the new FIP CEO while maintaining a stable and effective organisation.

Pharma Manufacturers Honour USP Boss With Traditional Chieftaincy Title

By
-
0

In recognition of his contribution to the growth of pharmaceutical manufacturing industry in Nigeria, a group of pharmacists have honoured Dr. Ron Piervincenzi, chief executive officer of United States Pharmacopeia (USP), with a traditional chieftaincy title.

The American was awarded the title of ‘Ekwueme 1 of Nigeria,’ arguably one of the highest ranking titles held by any non-indigene of the country.

L-R: Dr. Stella Okoli, chairman, Emzor Group; Prince Emeka Ugwu, managing director of Nemel Pharmaceuticals and Dr. Ron Piervincenzi, USP chief executive officer in a traditional dancing mood

The colourful ceremony which was held by USP officials in honour of its CEO took place on 25 July 2017,  at the prestigious Renaissance Hotel and had a considerable presence of directors, chief executive officers, captains of industry and pharma stakeholders in attendance.

Addressing the audience after the traditional rite, Prince Emeka Ugwu, managing director of Nemel Pharmaceuticals, explained that the title of Ekwueme 1, which literally means ‘He who does whatever he promises,’ bestowed on the USP boss is befitting for credible personalities like Piervicenzi.

This assertion was further corroborated by Dr. Stella Okoli, chairman, Emzor Group when she said until now, no Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) or group has gone the extra mile to train pharma manufacturing professionals the way USP does.

“I will urge you to continue doing what you are doing. For the act of doing good in itself has its reward,” she urged.

A cross section of participants at the ceremony

In attendance were Alhaji Ahmed Yakasai, president, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN); Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi, managing director of Pharmanews Limited; Pharm. Kunle Ekundayo, chief executive officer, Drugfield Pharma Limited; Steve Onya, managing director of Chi Pharma; Dr Ifeanyi Okoye, chief executive officer of Juhel Pharmaceuticals; Pharm Michael O. Paul, chairman of Mopson Pharmaceuticals and Varkey Verghese, managing director of Jawa Pharma.

Others were Dr. Chimezie Anyakora, USP chief of party; Pharm. Okey Akpa, PMGMAN chairman; Tosin Jolayemi, managing director, Daily Need Industries Limited; Nnamdi Okafor, managing director, May & Baker Nigeria Limited; Christiana Obiazikwor, head of public relations, NAFDAC; Nonyelum Okpagu, USP project coordinator and Adebola Adekoya, USP’s quality assurance and quality control specialist.

The United States Pharmacopeial (USP) Convention and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) formed a cooperative agreement about 20 years ago to promote quality of medicine globally. This gave rise to a USP programme known as ‘Promoting the Quality of Medicines (PQM). Today, PQM is active in 38 countries.

In Nigeria, the PQM programme has been active for about four years. Its office was formally established two years ago in Lagos.

 

Yakasai Urges Pharmacists to Embrace Recession-Surviving Strategies

By
Temitope Obayendo
-
1

-As BOF holds 2017 Mid-Year Meeting/Annual Dinner

Worried by the welfare of his colleagues in the face of the erratic economic condition in the country, the President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai has advised all pharmacists to adopt the qualities of innovation, strategy, problem-solving and acclimatisation, in order to succeed in their various practices.

The PSN President, who made the remarks during the recently held PSN Board of Fellows Mid-Year Meeting/Annual Dinner, at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, adjudged the theme of the occasion: “Weathering the Storm of Economic Downturn: Now and Beyond”, as the best for the time, as the nation has been struggling to come out of the economic doldrums for few years now.

The event which was graced by eminent Nigerians and Fellows of the PSN had in attendance,  Former Governor of Anambra  State, Mr Peter Obi,  as the guest speaker;  Former Minister of FCT, Commerce and Industry,  Hon. Dr Aliyu Modibbo Umar, as chairman of the occasion, PCN Registrar, Pharm. Elijah Mohammed; BOF executives , and others.

“To survive this storm as the tides had changed rapidly because of unstable economy, the need to adapt and strategize for survival cannot be over emphasized. Adapting can be extremely challenging especially in a country that is highly bedeviled with more problems like insecurity, insurgency, kidnapping, armed robbery, militancy and corruption of unprecedented dimension”, he asserted.

Assuring pharmacists of the great opportunities that abound for enterprising and creative minds from the gloomy economic, Yakasai craved the indulgence of the Fellows to the plethora of expectations hanging on their necks.  “As Fellows of PSN, government, countless numbers of pharmacists, other health professionals and health sub cadres are looking up to you for directions and leadership to steer the ship of our nation at this precarious time. You must be seen as problems solver, proffering solutions as well as addressing the numerous needs arising from economic recession”.

Speaking on the topic:“Weathering the Storm of Economic Downturn: Now and Beyond”, the former Governor Obi  commended pharmacists for their efforts towards local drugs manufacturing in the country, but he however tasked them on scaling up their contribution to the Gross Domestic Product(GDP) of the nation.

Comparing the contribution of the industry to the economic growth of countries like  India and China, Obi said: “Nigeria GDP is $400 billion and the pharmaceutical industry contributes 0.25/0.30%, which is a maximum of $1 billion to $1.2 billion.The GDP of China is $12 trillion and its pharmaceutical industry contributes 1% to 1.25%, being $120 billion to $150 billion.The GDP of India is about $2.3 trillion and its pharmaceutical industry contributes about 2% ($40 billion).”

Urging the Nigerian pharma industry to learn from the rapid growth of their counterparts in India and China to make considerable improvement in the healthcare delivery system, he remarked : “So the question to ask is what can we learn from India on what they did yesterday that brought them to where they are today. India, for example, is currently the 3rd largest supplier of raw materials in the world, coming from being a net importer 30 to 40 years ago. When India decided about 30 years ago to be self-sufficient in pharmaceutical raw material, they did not have the competitive and comparative advantages they have today, they worked for it.”

In his contribution, the PCN Registrar, Mohammed briefed the audience on the progress made so far by council, stating that the amended Act of the PCN is ready for consideration by the National assembly, after further inputs from various stakeholders including PSN, it’s technical groups and the Nigerian law reform commission have been made.. The National Assembly has held a public hearing on the proposed amendments sometime within the year.

On the implementation of the National Drug Distribution Guideline, he disclosed that at least two MDDGs are ready, several states have established SDDCs, four Coordinated Wholesale Centres (CWCs) have been given location approval and the honourable Minister of health will be taking a tour of these sites to see the level of development and commitments of the stakeholders and state governments where these facilities are situated.

According to him:”All court cases with respect to NAPPMED have been decided in favour of PCN with the latest being in Kaduna in June 2017. We also defeated Veterinary Medical Association, which took PCN to court over the right to regulate Veterinary Pharmacy Premises”.

 

 

How to Get Rid of Your Back Acne

By
Admin
-
0

The genesis of the challenge could be having an oily skin, then it metaphors to blackheads or whiteheads, and it could still manifest in form of red spots, yellow pus-filled pimples, and scars. All of these are the symptoms of back acne, which is familiar with people prone to having oil-producing glands that are particularly sensitive to some hormones.

It is pertinent to mention that everyone has this bacteria Propionibacterium acnes living on their skin, and for many, it does not cause any problems. According to dermatologists, a build-up of oil on the skin experienced by people prone to acne creates the perfect environment for the bacteria to multiply. This can lead to inflammation and the formation of pus-filled or red spots.

Interestingly, there is a way out of this quagmire. Medical News Today in conjunction with the American Academy of Dermatology has listed some proven ways to treat and prevent this horrible condition.

How to get rid of back acne

There are several treatment options available to help people get rid of acne on their back.

Topical creams

Most treatments involve applying topical medications directly to the skin. These are usually the first choice to treat cases of mild to moderate acne.

For people with just a few spots, over-the-counter medications will often deal with the problem. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a product that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.

People should apply the medication to the whole affected part of the back, not just the spots, usually once or twice and a day. This kind of treatment will usually result in clear skin within 4-8 weeks.

Pills

A doctor or healthcare provider may prescribe oral medication if a person has severe acne, including acne cysts and nodules. Treatment may include:

Antibiotics to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation: sometimes, doctors will prescribe these alongside a topical medication. A person may need to take them for 2 to 6 months.

Birth control pills and other medicines that impact hormones: these can reduce the amount of oil the skin produces but can take 3 to 4 months to take effect. This option, which interrupts ovulation, may not be suitable for young teenage girls.

Isotretinoin: this is a powerful medication that can benefit people for up to 2 years after treatment. It does, however, have the potential to cause side effects – it can harm unborn babies, meaning it is not suitable for women who plan to get pregnant. Before prescribing isotretinoin, doctors may order blood tests and continue to monitor people while they use it.

With some medications, notably isotretinoin, there are also concerns that it can cause depression and suicidal feelings. Isotretinoin can also result in dry skin, particularly around the lips, so a lip moisturizer is recommended.

Also, isotretinoin may cause joint pain issues secondary to the drying and decreased lubrication of the joints.

Skin procedures

Laser and other light therapies can reduce the levels of acnes on the skin, but there is limited evidence to support the effectiveness of this approach. Dermatologists sometimes offer a chemical peel to treat blackheads and papules.

Drainage and extraction is a procedure to remove large acne cysts if they do not respond to medication. It will help ease the pain but will possibly leave a scar.

How to prevent it from coming back

Tight-fitting exercise clothing that traps sweat next to skin on the back and blocks pores may contribute to outbreaks. People should consider wearing loose-fitting clothes, especially during a heavy gym session.

Man showering.

Showering after sweating, and using gentle cleansers applied with the fingertips can help to reduce the risk of acne breakouts on the back.

Other tips for reducing the risk of back acne breakouts are:

washing after sweating

using fingertips to apply a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser

avoiding products that irritate your skin

not scrubbing the affected areas

not popping, picking, or squeezing spots because this may lead to them spreading and scarring

staying out of the sun and avoiding tanning beds because damaged skin is more prone to acne

 

 

WHO Warns Against the Looming Resistance to HIV Drugs

By
Temitope Obayendo
-
0

If early and effective action is not taken to curb the increasing trend of resistance to HIV drugs, global progress achieved in treating and preventing HIV infection could be eroded, the WHO has alerted.

The Apex health institution, while analysing the detailed report on national survey conducted in several countries, disclosed that in 6 of the 11 countries surveyed in Africa, Asia and Latin America, over 10% of people starting antiretroviral therapy had a strain of HIV that was resistant to some of the most widely used HIV medicines.

HIV drug resistance report 2017

Speaking on the development in Geneva, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General noted that “Antimicrobial drug resistance is a growing challenge to global health and sustainable development, we need to proactively address the rising levels of resistance to HIV drugs if we are to achieve the global target of ending AIDS by 2030.”

The agency DG further explained how  the  development of the resistance begins,  saying that HIV drug resistance develops when people do not adhere to a prescribed treatment plan, often because they do not have consistent access to quality HIV treatment and care. Individuals with HIV drug resistance will start to fail therapy and may also transmit drug-resistant viruses to others. The level of HIV in their blood will increase, unless they change to a different treatment regimen, which could be more expensive – and, in many countries, still harder to obtain.

He further mentioned that of the 36.7 million people living with HIV worldwide, 19.5 million people were accessing antiretroviral therapy in 2016. The majority of these people are doing well, with treatment proving highly effective in suppressing the HIV virus. But a growing number are experiencing the consequences of drug resistance.

WHO is therefore issuing new guidelines to help countries address HIV drug resistance.These recommend that countries monitor the quality of their treatment programmes and take action as soon as treatment failure is detected.

“We need to ensure that people who start treatment can stay on effective treatment, to prevent the emergence of HIV drug resistance.When levels of HIV drug resistance become high we recommend that countries shift to an alternative first-line therapy for those who are starting treatment.” Said Dr Gottfried Hirnschall, Director of WHO’s HIV Department and Global Hepatitis Programme.

 

PCN Constitutes Adhoc Committee on Internship Placement

By
Temitope Obayendo
-
5

Following the brouhaha over the central placement of medical interns at the detriment of allied health sciences’ students, the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) has set up an Adhoc committee to deliberate on the matter.

According to the Facebook post of the PSN President, Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai, the committee comprising all the technical arms of the PSN, except AHAPN, was established on Thursday, 20 July 2017, at the PCN Headquarters, Abuja.

The group, which is headed by the former PSN President, Pharm. Yaro Budah, FPSN, is made up of PSN, PMGMAN, APIN, ACPN, NAIP, NAPA AND PHARMALLIANCE .The committee was saddled with the responsibility of  brainstorming on how to address the challenges of internship placement for pharmacy graduates in Nigeria.

Members of the Adhoc Committee in a group photograph after the inauguration in Abuja

Meanwhile, the development has generated positive reactions on Social Media particularly on Facebook, as many pharmacists have described it as a timely intervention and welcome development.

Below are some of their comments:

AMuhammad Ashiru :  Well-done sir! The PCN and the PSN must take a bold step to fix this challenge as a matter of urgency. Many young pharmacy graduates are frustrated about the profession before even starting the practice.

Sulayman Ademola: This is a move in the right direction. I want to suggest that avenues should be  created for suggestions. We should also check other Africa countries, for I have seen many working methods from many Africa countries.

Josephat Esumai:  Well done Mr President, any desperate situation requires a desperate approach. What we should be concerned about is getting these graduates moving on in life rather than how much they will earn as salaries during internship. The economic situation in the country does not offer a lot of choices, so one has to do with ones that are available.

Kingslie Ezeagu:  Hope you are not recommending people should do internship without salary? Just hope that’s not your point.

 

 

 

School of Nursing Boss Draws Blueprint on Clinical Data Preservation

By
Temitope Obayendo
-
0

Worried by the prevalence of clinical data dearth in Nigeria, a situation which has been described as inexcusable by many, Mrs Olayinka Owolabi, Head, School of Nursing, Igando, Lagos, has suggested ways out of the healthcare delivery system quagmire.

The nurse leader who spoke with Pharmanewsonline.com in an exclusive chat frown at the lack of clinical data in the country, stating that it should be a concern for every member of the healthcare team. Noting the need for officers to be particularly designated with that responsibility, she said such efforts will go a long way in bailing the country out of such dearth

Her words:” I ‘m aware that some institutions now have Education and Research units, responsible for data collation. We need some officers to be designated in nursing units to handle such, though everybody in the unit will participate in the exercise”.

She further identified reorientation of clinical nurses as key, regarding the issue of data keeping. It is pertinent to challenge our nurses to take a step further from routine work to carrying out researches. “We have more than ten research topics you can generate from your units, which can validly stand as evidence on whichever topic you are speaking on”.

Mrs Olayinka Owolabi

Owolabi, who will not condone laziness from nurses, however condemned the nursing  care practice in the country, which falls below WHO recommended standard  of one nurse to  four patients, thus argued that since nurses are not angels, they cannot perform magic, even though they are expected to put in their best at all time.

“Although nurses are besieged with several limitations, which they must not allow to overcome them. One of such limitations is manpower, time, and low resources. For instance only one nurse could be manning a 28 beds ward, and you want the nurse to be efficient, but this is absolutely a far cry from WHO standard. This explains why some nurses flair up at the slightest provocation”, she explained.

 

 

 

 

Over 12 Million Infants Worldwide Did Not Receive Vaccinations in 2016

By
Admin
-
1

 About 1 in 10 infants worldwide did not receive any vaccinations in 2016, according to the most recent WHO and UNICEF immunization estimates. This means, critically, that 12.9 million infants missed the first dose of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP)-containing vaccine, putting them at serious risk of these potentially fatal diseases.

Additionally, an estimated 6.6 million infants who did receive their first dose of DTP-containing vaccine did not complete the full, three dose DTP immunization series (DTP3) in 2016. Since 2010, the percentage of children who received their full course of routine immunizations has stalled at 86% (116.5 million infants), with no significant changes in any countries or regions during the past year. This falls short of the global immunization coverage target of 90%.

“Most of the children that remain un-immunized are the same ones missed by health systems,” says Dr Jean-Marie Okwo-Bele, Director of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals at WHO. “These children most likely have also not received any of the other basic health services. If we are to raise the bar on global immunization coverage, health services must reach the unreached. Every contact with the health system must be seen as an opportunity to immunize.”

Immunization currently prevents between 2–3 million deaths every year, from diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and measles. It is one of the most successful and cost-effective public health interventions.

Global immunization coverage levels

According to the new data, 130 of the 194 WHO Member States have achieved and sustained at least 90% coverage for DTP3 at the national level – one of the targets set out in the Global Vaccine Action Plan. However, an estimated 10 million additional infants need to be vaccinated in 64 countries, if all countries are to achieve at least 90% coverage. Of these children, 7.3 million live in fragile or humanitarian settings, including countries affected by conflict. 4 million of them also live in just three countries – Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan – where access to routine immunization services is critical to achieving and sustaining polio eradication.

In 2016, eight countries had less than 50% coverage with DTP3 in 2016, including Central African Republic, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic and Ukraine.

Globally, 85% of children have been vaccinated with the first dose of measles vaccine by their first birthday through routine health services, and 64% with a second dose. Nevertheless, coverage levels remain well short of those required to prevent outbreaks, avert preventable deaths and achieve regional measles elimination goals.

152 countries now use rubella vaccines and global coverage increased from 35% in 2010 to 47% in 2016. This is a big step towards reducing the occurrence of congenital rubella syndrome, a devastating condition that results in hearing impairment, congenital heart defects and blindness, among other life-long disabilities.

Global coverage of more recently-recommended vaccines are yet to reach 50%. These vaccines include vaccines against major killers of children such as rotavirus, a disease that causes severe childhood diarrhoea, and pneumonia. Vaccination against both these diseases has the potential to substantially reduce deaths of children under 5 years of age, a target of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Many middle-income countries are lagging behind in the introduction of these newer and more expensive vaccines. These countries often do not receive external support and their health budgets are often insufficient to cover the costs of procuring these vaccines.

Inequities in immunization coverage

National coverage estimates often mask large inequities in coverage within countries. The WHO report, State of inequality: Childhood immunization, highlights inequalities in childhood immunization coverage in low- and middle-income countries over the past 10 years. The report shows that global improvements have been realized with variable patterns of change across countries and that there is generally less inequality now than 10 years ago.

These findings were reinforced by a recent UNICEF study, which emphasized the cost effectiveness of investing in the poorest, most marginalized communities.

“Immunization is one of the most pro-equity interventions around,” says Dr Robin Nandy, Chief of Immunizations at UNICEF. “Bringing life-saving vaccines to the poorest communities, women and children must be considered a top priority in all contexts.”

Efforts to reduce inequalities related to household economic status and mother’s education are needed in many countries if immunization coverage is to be improved. Additionally, more than half of the global population resides in urban areas, including in rapidly growing slums in Africa and Asia. The urban poor is a group at high risk of being un- or under-immunized.

For the first time, WHO and UNICEF have collected disaggregated data on immunization coverage at the subnational level. Of 194 reporting countries, 125 reported on subnational coverage, covering nearly 20 000 districts and roughly two–thirds of the global infant population. These data will help shed more light on geographical disparities in access to vaccines.


Sources: UNICEF/WHO

Drug Scarcity Imminent, Unless FG Provides Forex – Osasona

By
-
1

The late chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) Kogi State, Pharm. David Olatunde Osasona, before his demise raised the alarm that except the Federal Government urgently provides forex for pharmaceutical companies dealing in drug importation, Nigerians are set to experience severe scarcity of essential medicines.

Speaking with Pharmanews in an exclusive interview before his death, Pharm. Osasona, who is also the managing director of Dave-Mercy Pharmacy, Lokoja, further tasked the government to urgently tackle the challenge of chaotic drug distribution, warning that the current distribution system is inappropriate for ethical distribution of drugs to Nigerians, as too many non-pharmacists are involved in it.

Osasona equally urged the FG to review the structure of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), noting that while some sets of healthcare providers are feeding fat on the scheme, others like pharmacists are getting peanuts for services rendered.

Sasona

While lamenting that the present economic recession has seriously affected every sector of the economy, including health, the pharmaceutical entrepreneur observed that the NHIS that could have given succour to the people in this period is not being properly managed.

He disclosed that many people under the scheme have resorted to buying medicines directly with their money.

Below are excerpts from interview:

Tell us about your pharmacy – when did you establish it and how was it at the beginning?

My pharmacy, Dave-Mercy Pharmacy was established in 1992 at Jebba, Kwara State with a starting capital of about 14,500 naira. It was this money that I worked with till the business grew big, with two branches in Lokoja, Kogi State. I depended solely on the support from God as it took a great deal of perseverance and commitment to weather the storm; but I thank God that today it has become a success story.

I must be sincere, it wasn’t easy at the beginning but with passion for the profession and commitment towards achieving my goal, coupled with the grace of God, the business was nurtured and it is now matured, and we pray it grows bigger than this by the grace of God.

 

Tell us about the activities and achievements of ACPN Kogi since you took over as chairman.

I took over ACPN chairmanship two years ago, precisely 26 March 2014. Within this period, ACPN Kogi has impacted the community by making the public to know the roles of a pharmacist, We have carried out series of programmes in the media to educate people on vital health issues, such as HIV/AIDs, Hepatitis B and so many others.

We have also campaigned against drug abuse and misuse among youths, especially abuse of drugs like Tramadol, Codeine and many others. We have worked in cooperation with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Kogi State Ministry of Health, to educate the public on health issues,

 

How big is the challenge of running such an important association as ACPN, and how have you been coping?

Leading an association such as ACPN is not an easy task, especially as many members always prefer to face their business, rather than activities that can project the image of the association in the community.

As a leader, my ultimate goal has been to encourage my members to attend our general meetings, and to persuade them to respond to this call has been a great challenge to me. In reality, the general meetings usually afford us the opportunity to iron out issues bordering on the progress and challenges of the profession; so it is a good avenue to rub minds and share ideas. It’s a gthering where we all work towards the progress of the association.

How is the current economic recession affecting community pharmacy in your state and how are your members coping?

The recession is biting hard everywhere and pharmacy profession is not exempted. Community pharmacy practice is one profession that makes one to be closer to the masses more than any other profession. As such, it is impossible for us to close our eyes to the plight of the poor and the masses. Consequently, we have so many instances whereby we sell on credit to our customers.

There are civil servants that have not received salary for the past 12 months; yet they get sick and need drugs as they need food. In a situation like that, you cannot but part with your drugs on credit because of the sympathy you have for the people; in fact, some services like blood pressure and blood sugar monitoring are rendered free of charge. So, life has not been easy for the community practitioners, especially in this recession period, but life must continue.drugs

What areas of pharmacy profession do you think the stakeholders in the profession need to tackle urgently?

The issue of our drug distribution channel is an urgent issue that needs immediate attention of those in authority. There are too many people who are not pharmacists but are feeding fat on our business, and something urgent must be done about this before they chase us out of business.

Also, no pharmacist has benefitted as such from the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). This needs to be addressed as well because while some sets of healthcare providers are feeding fat, others are simply getting peanuts.

Additionally, the federal government’s forex policy is affecting drug importation and it should be looked into.

 

What can you say about happenings in the healthcare sector in Kogi State?

The present economic recession has seriously affected every sector of the economy, including health sector. However, how do you expect a government that cannot pay workers’ salary for almost a year invest anything reasonable in the healthcare sector? And the NHIS that could have given succor to the people at this period is not properly managed, as many people under the scheme are usually compelled to buy the bulk of the medicine they need with their money outside the medical facility they are using.

In a saner clime, those under health insurance should benefit more in terms of adequate healthcare provision as they are paying every month for that purpose. So, to cut the long story short, healthcare sector is not adequately funded in this state and something must be done about it. The health and well-being of people should be paramount in the mind of the government.

 

If you were to advise the federal government on measures or policies that can help improve healthcare in Nigeria, what would be your advice?

I would advise the government to relax policy on forex, so that dollars will be available for the importation of essential drugs because, if care is not taken, very soon the country may face a challenge of shortage of drugs in the healthcare sector.

When our leaders fall sick, they travel abroad to take care of their health; while the common man is left with no other option than to resort to self-medication, herbal practitioners and quacks.

Also, the chaotic drug distribution chain should be urgently looked into to save the public from consuming fake and unwholesome medication, while health workers’ emoluments should be properly taken care of to prevent incessant strikes in the health sector.

 

How do you see the annual PSN and ACPN national conferences?

For the past 10 years I have not either of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN)’s conferences. And, year by year, there have been improvements. Every pharmacist should participate in these conferences because the programmes are very educative and informative. They provide occasion for meeting old classmates and friends and as the conferences move from one state to another they provide avenues for making one to know many other part of the country.

 

Merck Foundation commits to long term healthcare partnership with Government of Tanzania

By
Admin
-
0

 

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com) commits to long term partnership with the Government of Tanzania. During the high level meeting between Her Excellency Vice President, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan and Dr Rasha Kelej, the CEO of Merck Foundation, Merck Foundation commits to build healthcare capacity and improve access to innovative and equitable healthcare solutions across the country as part of their CSR programs across Africa.

Merck Foundation will focus on providing one year and two years surgical and paediatric oncology fellowship program in India, Europe and University of Nairobi for Tanzanian doctors to improve the cancer care in the country. They will also focus on empowering infertile women through access to information, awareness, health, change of mind set and economic empowerment across the country through their ‘Merck more than a Mother’ campaign.

 

From left to right: Mr Leonard Saika, Program Director Merck Foundation; Dr Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and H.E. Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan
From left to right: Mr Leonard Saika, Program Director Merck Foundation; Dr Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and H.E. Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan

“The prevalence of infertility is so high in Africa, one every four couple in reproductive age suffers from infertility and yet around 85% of those cases are due to untreated infectious disease which can prevented, hence raising awareness about prevention through local media and social media is very critical”, Rasha Kelej said.

“Raising awareness about male infertility as the infertility affects women and men equally and yet women are the one who been solely blamed, discriminated and mistreated in their communities. The campaign will address this topic and encourage men to discuss openly their infertility and share the journey of infertility diagnosis and treatment with their wives”, Kelej added.

Her Excellency Vice President, Samia Suluhu Hassan commended the role Merck Foundation plays in healthcare capacity building in Africa and welcomes them to Tanzania. She added: “Tanzania welcomes Merck Foundation to the country, we are happy to partner with such reputable and serious organization top empower women and you, healthcare and science. I will personally work with you to empower these underprivileged women  socially and economically across Tanzania and the rest of the world to create a culture shift needed to respect and appreciate women as productive members in society weather they are mother or not.”

BASF Introduces New Class of Insecticide For Malaria Prevention

By
Admin
-
0
  • Independent trials in Benin, Burkina Faso, Tanzania and Ivory Coast have proven the efficacy of Interceptor G2 and Sylando 240SC against local insecticide-resistant mosquitoes
  • WHO recommendation for game-changing mosquito net.
  • First bed net to contain non-pyrethroid chemistry.
  • Collaboration with IVCC and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine unlocks breakthrough in malaria fight.

BASF (www.BASF.com) has received a recommendation from the World Health Organization (WHO) for Interceptor® G2, a long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito net (LN) based on chlorfenapyr. Chlorfenapyr is a completely new insecticide class for combating mosquitoes for public health. This is the first WHO recommendation for a product based on a new insecticide class in more than 30 years.

Working with the Innovative Vector Control Consortium (IVCC) and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine in a collaboration lasting over a decade, BASF’s scientists successfully repurposed chlorfenapyr to be effective on mosquito nets and meet stringent WHO performance thresholds for public health.

There are more than 200 million cases of malaria each year and almost half a million deaths. Infants, children under five and pregnant women are the most vulnerable groups. Photo – Lassen/BASF

Dave Malone, IVCC Technical Manager, said “The collaboration with BASF gave us access to an insecticide with a rare combination of attributes: New to public health, effective against resistant mosquitoes, and able to coat polyester netting with a long-lasting formulation.”

A second chlorfenapyr product, an indoor residual spray named Sylando® 240SC, is also in the final phases of WHO evaluation.

Around the world, every two minutes a child dies from malaria and there are more than 200 million new cases every year. Malaria is also a major cause of global poverty and its burden is greatest among the most vulnerable.

Long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets (LN) and indoor residual sprays (IRS) are the cornerstones of malaria prevention, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. But 60 countries have already reported resistance to at least one class of insecticide used in them. Part of the problem is that there were previously only four WHO-recommended insecticide classes for adult mosquito control: Only one of them, the pyrethroid class, was recommended for LNs. Continual use of the same insecticides enabled the highly-adaptable mosquito to develop significant levels of resistance.

Independent trials in Benin, Burkina Faso, Tanzania and Ivory Coast have proven the efficacy of Interceptor G2 and Sylando 240SC against local insecticide-resistant mosquitoes.

Medical entomologist Professor Hilary Ranson from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine has studied the problem for many years. “We’ve got to take insecticide resistance very seriously,” she said. “In some countries, the local mosquito population has increased its level of resistance 1,000-fold. It has been years since a new class of public health insecticide has appeared on the market. Alternatives are urgently needed.”

Following the WHO recommendation, BASF will start preparations to launch Interceptor G2 for malaria prevention. Depending on local registration processes, the new mosquito net is expected to be available to health ministries and aid organizations starting towards the end of this year.

“New resistance management products are desperately needed to prevent mosquito-borne diseases and save lives,” said Egon Weinmueller, Head of BASF’s public health business. “This development breakthrough strengthens my personal belief that we really can be the generation to end malaria for good.”

Source: BASF

UNIBEN Pharmacy Students Seek PSN, PCN Intervention over Colleague’s Arrest

By
-
0

 

Uche Esegine

Pharmacy students of University of Benin (UNIBEN) have started a ‘Free-Uche’ campaign to protest the continued detention of their colleague over what they termed unfair treatment of his case.

Uche Rickson Esegine, a 300 level Pharmacy undergraduate of UNIBEN with matric number PHA1300114, was involved in an incident that led to his arrest on Sunday, July 2, 2017. He was returning from an all-night retreat held the previous day in company of his church members from the Redeem Christian Church of God, Embassy of God parish (Edo State province 5) when their bus almost collided with an onrushing trailer.

In a bid to avert the near-collision, the driver made a quick swerve to the right during which Uche bent to pick up a phone that had fallen on the floor of the bus. As he tried handing the phone to the presumed owner (a fellow church member and passenger in the vehicle), he noticed blood stains on the phone and further discovered that his fellow passenger bled from both mouth and head. He immediately alerted the driver.

The bleeding passenger was momentarily rushed to the central hospital which was not far away. Unfortunately, they were redirected to University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) without being attended to. At UBTH, the injured passenger was admitted and placed on oxygen as he had already gone into a critical stage.

All efforts to save him proved abortive and the young man eventually died. The shock of his death jolted everybody especially the parents of the deceased who after being notified of his condition were in the hospital to witness his last moment.

While all manners of effort were deployed by the Redeemed Church to comfort the family, it proved futile as the family made a volte face the next morning (Monday). Backed by a team of heavily armed policemen attached to BDPA Police Station, Uche, their bus driver, a church elder and the church pastor whisked away.

According to information gathered by Pharmanews, they were allegedly detained without any warrant of arrest over what the family suspected to be a foul play that culminated in the death of their son. While Uche was moved from the police station to Aideyan Avenue Airport, the remaining four were transferred from the BDPA Police Station to the State CID. Since then, the pharmacy student has remained in police custody despite several entreaties made to the family of the deceased, they remained convinced the boy’s death was beyond the accident.

On the other hand, application for the suspects bail too has been refused on a number of occasions. No autopsy too had been carried out. Although UNIBEN authorities have been informed about the incident, the school is reluctant to get fully involved.

It is now 10 days since Uche’s has been remanded in custody.

“This is why we are reaching out to the pharmacy circle, Pharmanews, PSN and the PCN to help bail out Uche and allow things follow due process,” a fellow pharmacy student berated.

 

Over 2 Billion People Lack Safe Drinking Water at Home-WHO

By
Temitope Obayendo
-
0

-More than twice as many lack safe sanitation

The World Health Organisation has recently disclosed that some 3 in 10 people worldwide, or 2.1 billion, lack access to safe, readily available water at home, and 6 in 10, or 4.5 billion, lack safely managed sanitation.

 

The apex health institution’s revelation came on the hills of a new report presented by the Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP) on the first global assessment of “safely managed” drinking water and sanitation services. The overriding conclusion is that too many people still lack access, particularly in rural areas.

Reacting to the report via a press release, the WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: Safe water, sanitation and hygiene at home should not be a privilege of only those who are rich or live in urban centres. These are some of the most basic requirements for human health, and all countries have a responsibility to ensure that everyone can access them.”

 

 

 

 

The report further stated that billions of people have gained access to basic drinking water and sanitation services since 2000, but these services do not necessarily provide safe water and sanitation. Many homes, healthcare facilities and schools also still lack soap and water for hand washing. This puts the health of all people – but especially young children – at risk for diseases, such as diarrhoea.

Attributing the annual infant mortality from diarrhoea of about 361 000 to poor sanitation and contaminated water,  which are linked to transmission of diseases such as cholera, dysentery, hepatitis A, and typhoid, the document called for significant  improvement in sanitation across the globe.

In his contribution, UNICEF Executive Director, Anthony Lake said: “Safe water, effective sanitation and hygiene are critical to the health of every child and every community – and thus are essential to building stronger, healthier, and more equitable societies. As we improve these services in the most disadvantaged communities and for the most disadvantaged children today, we give them a fairer chance at a better tomorrow.”

The release reads in part: “In order to decrease global inequalities, the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) call for ending open defecation and achieving universal access to basic services by 2030.

“Of the 2.1 billion people who do not have safely managed water, 844 million do not have even a basic drinking water service. This includes 263 million people who have to spend over 30 minutes per trip collecting water from sources outside the home, and 159 million who still drink untreated water from surface water sources, such as streams or lakes.

 

“In 90 countries, progress towards basic sanitation is too slow, meaning they will not reach universal coverage by 2030.

“Of the 4.5 billion people who do not have safely managed sanitation, 2.3 billion still do not have basic sanitation services. This includes 600 million people who share a toilet or latrine with other households, and 892 million people – mostly in rural areas – who defecate in the open. Due to population growth, open defecation is increasing in sub-Saharan Africa and Oceania”.

 

Antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea on the rise, new drugs needed – WHO

By
Admin
-
0

Data from 77 countries show that antibiotic resistance is making gonorrhoea – a common sexually-transmitted infection – much harder, and sometimes impossible, to treat.

“The bacteria that cause gonorrhoea are particularly smart. Every time we use a new class of antibiotics to treat the infection, the bacteria evolve to resist them,” said Dr Teodora Wi, Medical Officer, Human Reproduction, at WHO.

WHO reports widespread resistance to older and cheaper antibiotics. Some countries – particularly high-income ones, where surveillance is best – are finding cases of the infection that are untreatable by all known antibiotics.

“These cases may just be the tip of the iceberg, since systems to diagnose and report untreatable infections are lacking in lower-income countries where gonorrhoea is actually more common,” adds Dr Wi.

Image result for Antibiotic-resistant

Each year, an estimated 78 million people are infected with gonorrhoea*. Gonorrhoea can infect the genitals, rectum, and throat. Complications of gonorrhoea disproportionally affect women, including pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and infertility, as well as an increased risk of HIV.

Decreasing condom use, increased urbanization and travel, poor infection detection rates, and inadequate or failed treatment all contribute to this increase.

Monitoring drug resistance

The WHO Global Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance Programme (WHO GASP), monitors trends in drug-resistant gonorrhoea. WHO GASP data from 2009 to 2014 find widespread resistance to ciprofloxacin [97% of countries that reported data in that period found drug-resistant strains], increasing resistance to azithromycin [81%], and the emergence of resistance to the current last-resort treatment: the extended-spectrum cephalosporins (ESCs) oral cefixime or injectable ceftriaxone [66%].

Currently, in most countries, ESCs are the only single antibiotic that remain effective for treating gonorrhoea. But resistance to cefixime – and more rarely to ceftriaxone – has now been reported in more than 50 countries. As a result, WHO issued updated global treatment recommendations in 2016 advising doctors to give 2 antibiotics: ceftriaxone and azithromycin.

Development of new drugs

The R&D pipeline for gonorrhoea is relatively empty, with only 3 new candidate drugs in various stages of clinical development: solithromycin, for which a phase III trial has recently been completed; zoliflodacin, which has completed a phase II trial; and gepotidacin, which has also completed a phase II trial.

The development of new antibiotics is not very attractive for commercial pharmaceutical companies. Treatments are taken only for short periods of time (unlike medicines for chronic diseases) and they become less effective as resistance develops, meaning that the supply of new drugs constantly needs to be replenished.

The Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) and WHO have launched the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP), a not-for-profit research and development organization, hosted by DNDi, to address this issue. GARDP’s mission is to develop new antibiotic treatments and promote appropriate use, so that they remain effective for as long as possible, while ensuring access for all in need. One of GARDP’s key priorities is the development of new antibiotic treatments for gonorrhoea.

“To address the pressing need for new treatments for gonorrhoea, we urgently need to seize the opportunities we have with existing drugs and candidates in the pipeline. In the short term, we aim to accelerate the development and introduction of at least one of these pipeline drugs, and will evaluate the possible development of combination treatments for public health use,” said Dr Manica Balasegaram, GARDP Director. “Any new treatment developed should be accessible to everyone who needs it, while ensuring it’s used appropriately, so that drug resistance is slowed as much as possible.”

Gonorrhoea prevention

Gonorrhoea can be prevented through safer sexual behaviour, in particular consistent and correct condom use. Information, education, and communication can promote and enable safer sex practices, improve people’s ability to recognize the symptoms of gonorrhoea and other sexually transmitted infections, and increase the likelihood they will seek care. Today, lack of public awareness, lack of training of health workers, and stigma around sexually transmitted infections remain barriers to greater and more effective use of these interventions.

There are no affordable, rapid, point-of-care diagnostic tests for gonorrhoea. Many people who are infected with gonorrhoea do not have any symptoms, so they go undiagnosed and untreated. On the other hand, however, when patients do have symptoms, such as discharge from the urethra or the vagina, doctors often assume it is gonorrhoea and prescribe antibiotics – even though people may be suffering from another kind of infection. The overall inappropriate use of antibiotics increases the development of antibiotic resistance in gonorrhoea as well as other bacterial diseases.

“To control gonorrhoea, we need new tools and systems for better prevention, treatment, earlier diagnosis, and more complete tracking and reporting of new infections, antibiotic use, resistance and treatment failures,” said Dr Marc Sprenger, Director of Antimicrobial Resistance at WHO. “Specifically, we need new antibiotics, as well as rapid, accurate, point-of-care diagnostic tests – ideally, ones that can predict which antibiotics will work on that particular infection – and longer term, a vaccine to prevent gonorrhoea.”

 

Source: WHO

HIV response in West and Central Africa will not succeed if key barriers remain unaddressed – MSF

By
Admin
-
0

African heads of state met on July 3, 2017 in Addis Ababa to endorse the Emergency catch-up plan led by UNAIDS to accelerate HIV treatment in West and Central Africa. Consequently, the international humanitarian medical organisation Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has reiterated its call for a clear roadmap and strong political commitment from affected governments and all international stakeholders, towards removing longstanding barriers and implementing proven simplified strategies that will boost lifesaving treatment for 4.7 million living with HIV not yet accessing antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Lower rates of HIV prevalence in the region’s 21 countries, ranging from 2-10%, have long resulted in less attention and investment in its overall HIV response. Here, only 28% of people and 20% of children living with HIV have access to ART, resulting in high numbers of deaths and an incidence outpacing treatment initiations. MSF’s related ‘Out of Focus’ report, released in April 2016 identified numerous critical obstacles that prevent the wider scale up of HIV treatment in the region. Faced with these obstacles, staff in MSF-supported HIV hospital centres in Conakry, Guinea and Kinshasa, DRC report that patients arrive in such advanced stages of HIV that 43% and 36% of them respectively die within 48 hours of admission. A third of them will die overall.

Today’s meeting is aimed at deepening engagement from governments, key policy makers and donors towards the implementation of a regional emergency HIV plan and furthering country-specific acceleration plans in fourteen priority countries to start [1]. MSF strongly commends the vital leadership shown by UNAIDS and African states in initiating the Acceleration Plan. African leaders are urged to address any limiting factors which may prevent its full realisation. These include legal and policy blockages, centralised health systems, weak procurement and supply chain management, financial barriers including user fees for patients, and high levels of stigma. MSF also asks for the Acceleration Plan to soon include remaining countries in the region that face similar treatment gaps.

“This is a pivotal opportunity to anchor governments’ efforts in clearly defined and inclusive country action plans that tackle the many obstacles that people living with HIV face every day. Each patient presenting with late stage AIDS in our hospitals is a terrible testimony to these challenges. Our patients tell us often of unimaginable suffering simply trying to access diagnosis and treatment: empty shelves, insurmountable fees and transport costs, long queues, and stigma and discrimination in health facilities,” said Joanne Liu, MSF International President.

Key strategies central to the HIV response in southern and eastern Africa during the 2000s would strongly support a wider response based on quality care for patients. Along with other organisations, MSF calls for the elimination of user-fees that would enable a move to ‘test & start’ (immediate treatment on diagnosis) and keep people healthy on lifelong treatment. Improvements in supply management and last mile delivery should also include strong monitoring mechanisms of stock outs by civil society and patient organisation.

Reaching wider numbers will require the implementation of ‘task-shifting’, where basic tasks are delegated to nurses and lay health workers to carry out tests, prescribe and dispense ARVs, counsel patients and contact defaulters. These so-called ‘differentiated models of care’ have been successfully piloted by MSF in Kinshasa, DRC and Zemio, Central African Republic, allowing the decentralisation of simplified HIV service delivery models to health facility and community levels.

The role played by civil society and patient associations in the HIV response is essential. MSF witnesses the reluctance of health ministries and governments and international implementing partners to fully include civil society and communities service delivery, testing and adherence support, as well as stigma reduction activities and service monitoring. The ‘community treatment observatories’ now running in Burkina Faso, Cameroun and DRC are strong examples of this watchdog function. These valuable entities require steady funding and technical support and should be scaled up in all countries in the region.

“West Africa, civil society and communities of people living with HIV groups remain isolated and under-funded, with little support from international civil society, governments and donors. In Eastern and Southern Africa, engaging people living with HIV in the responses contributed to vigorous achievements overall in increasing antiretroviral coverage, support and care. We need to invigorate treatment literacy which gives people autonomy over their care and addressing stigmatising attitudes.” said Amanda Banda, MSF’s HIV Advocacy Coordinator.

Source: Médecins sans frontières (MSF).

More efficacious treatment for cystic fibrosis on its way – FIP

By
Admin
-
1

We are a step closer to a better treatment for patients with cystic fibrosis. New research presented on the 22nd of May, 2017 at the International Pharmaceutical Federation’s Pharmaceutical Sciences World Congress describes how scientists have developed a formulation that increases the delivery of a novel “antivirulence” agent to the lungs.

About 80% of cystic fibrosis patients suffer from chronic lung infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.1 Persistent lung infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis are central in the development of chronic lung disease in these patients and significantly increase morbidity. P. aeruginosa infection is associated with rapid decline in lung function and increased mortality. This is commonly treated with antibiotics such as tobramycin, with variable success rates. P. aeruginosa usually grows in biofilms, where the cells stick together in a self-produced matrix that makes them resistant to antibiotics. An international consortium of scientists has been working on a new type of compound called quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs), which can interrupt communication pathways between bacterial cells, resulting in reduced virulence and decreased tolerance to antibiotics.


“We are now at a stage where we have a handful of promising candidate compounds in this class, from which we could identify a lead compound. But, in the interest of efficiency, we have simultaneously been working on how the eventual lead compound could best be delivered locally to the lung. One of the problems is that our prototype QSI compound was poorly soluble in water, yet we wanted to be able to deliver it to the lungs in a solution in combination with tobramycin,” says Dr Tomás Sou, a researcher at the Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Sweden.
Image result for cystic fibrosis
The research presented shows that using certain solubilising excipients allows the production of a multidrug formulation that can deliver the desired amount of the QSI and tobramycin to the lungs of rats with P. aeruginosa infection. This formulation was effective in sensitising the bacteria to the antibiotic and showed a reduction in colony forming units of the bacteria when these two compounds were administered together.

“More than 70,000 people suffer from cystic fibrosis worldwide. This research could ultimately improve the quality of life for these patients and, potentially, others,” Dr Sou says. “P. aeruginosa infections are also a concern in hospitals, particularly for patients who have been in hospital for more than a week. These infections can be life-threatening. Our work could eventually also have relevance for these people.”

The consortium, SENBIOTAR, has brought together experts in different fields of science from Sweden, the UK, Canada and Denmark. “It is through this multidisciplinary team effort that we have been able to make such good progress within a short time-frame in this field,” Dr Sou says. 

Unbreakable Laws of Sales- 14th Law: Prospects Buy You Before The Product

By
George Emetuche
-
0

You are the first Product. – George O. Emetuche

In his book, Marketing Management: Analysis, Planning and Control, Philip Kotler put forward that the nature of a product can be divided into three levels or layers:

  1. The core product: This focuses on the benefits the product brings to the customer. This is the solution the product offers. The core product is viewed as the most important feature in the levels or layers of a product. I call the core product ‘the product in the product.’ The core product is what the customer takes away from the product. It is the benefits derived in the product.
  2. The actual product: Actual or physical product is a tangible product we can see and touch. This focuses on quality and design of the product. It is the product the buyer sees.
  3. Augmented product: This consists of measures taken to help the consumer put the actual product to sustained use. They are: customer service support, warranty and any after sales service.

My position

However, I want to add a product layer which is a vital one.  Standing on my practical sales experience of over 20 years, I want to add here that in personal selling, the salesman is a product. In fact, the salesman is the first product! He is the starting point of the product. Every other layer of the product depends on the salesman’s success. Therefore I put forward the following as the ideal   sequence for the layers of a product:

  1. The salesman
  2. The actual product
  3. The core product
  4. The augmented product

My reason is simple, if the buyer fails to buy the salesman in the first place, he won’t get to the level of buying the actual product, the core product or the augmented product. In personal selling, the salesman comes first before the product he is selling. I see the salesman as a major factor in these product levels.  Every other level of the product depends on the success of the salesman. Once the salesman fails, other layers will likely fail. Similarly, once the salesman succeeds, his success will likely affect the other layers positively.

If the salesman sells himself properly to his prospect, the prospect will buy him and other layers of the product and vice versa.

 

See yourself as the best and take charge!

You are the best product in the world! You are the main factor in the elements of sales. Nothing will happen in sales without you, the salesman.  You are the man behind the success. Every other thing comes to shape when the salesman is doing the right thing.

But you cannot give what you don’t have. The salesman must be in control if he desires to achieve result. He must conquer himself and his environment if he wants to succeed.

You have to believe in yourself and in your product if you want to succeed in your selling. You must buy the product first before selling it to the buyer. Acceptability of the product in your mind is a prerequisite for success in your selling. You cannot sell what you don’t love. People buy when they see the level of your belief in your product and in yourself.

 

Selling yourself first:

You sell yourself in many ways. The way you appear is imperative. The way you speak to the prospect or customer makes or breaks the process. The salesman’s poise, style and, of course, knowledge of his products and services go a long way to sell the salesman to the prospect.

You should look saleable before approaching the buyer.  When you look good enough to be trusted, you create the environment for the buyer to listen to you. You are a complete product and the first one the prospect buys – because you are the first one he sees.

 

Buyers buy from the best:

Buyers buy from the best salesmen. They buy from salesmen who are believable. You cannot be credible if you have not expressed credibility. You have to find a way to express why the buyer should believe what you are saying about your product.

This does not just happen; it takes a process. You have to take your time to build friendship and trust to attain this level of selling. What you say or do as a salesman matters a lot. You must be conscious of the fact that you are called to get things done and this you must do professionally. You must be a positive minded person. This is how to be credible. This is how to sell yourself to the buyer.

1...153154155...188Page 154 of 188
Pharmanews Limited is a health care publishing, training and consultancy firm, positioned to ensure consistent improvements in the quality of pharmaceutical and health care services through publishing and training.
Contact us: Info@pharmanewsonline.com

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

© © 2023 Pharmanews Limited. All rights reserved.