As pharmacists worldwide celebrate World Pharmacists Day, the Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists of Nigeria (AHAPN) has called on the Federal Government to address the growing brain drain in the health sector, commonly known as the japa syndrome, and to enhance pharmacists’ welfare by increasing remuneration and allowances.
AHAPN also advocated for the inclusion of pharmacists on health facility boards to ensure professional drug management, as well as the revitalization of the Drug Revolving Fund (DRF), emphasising the need to prevent mismanagement of funds in federal health institutions.
In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Pharm. Elechi Oyim, and shared with Pharmanewsonline, the association highlighted the significance of the 2024 World Pharmacists Day theme, “Pharmacists: Meeting Global Health Needs.” Oyim described the theme as timely, noting the pressing need for pharmacists to unite in addressing global health challenges. However, he emphasised that numerous obstacles limiting pharmacists’ ability to achieve this goal, calling for immediate government investment in the future of pharmacy.
Pharm. Oyim expressed AHAPN’s commitment to providing optimal healthcare services across Nigeria but noted the following urgent needs: Appointment of consultant pharmacists into federal health institutions to appoint and payment of PharmD allowances, establishment of mini drug manufacturing units in hospitals to reduce import costs, centralisation of pharmacy graduates’ internship placement, improvement in poor patient to pharmacist population ratio that is far below WHO recommendations, increase of pharmacists’ quota in public health facilities and end of locum staff practice, allowance for public pharmacists to rise to CONHESS 15 and employment of more pharmacists, employment of more pharmacists into state and LGAs, provision of accommodations for intern pharmacists due to their essential roles, among others.
“As the global healthcare landscape continues to evolve, pharmacists remain at the forefront, driving innovation, excellence, and patient-centered care,” Oyim stated. “On this World Pharmacists Day, we celebrate the pivotal role pharmacists play in shaping the future of healthcare, underscoring their unwavering commitment to improving lives and advancing public health.”
The AHAPN’s helms man stressed that improving the working conditions of pharmacists would significantly reduce the brain drain affecting the profession in Nigeria. He revealed that while only about 19,000 pharmacists are currently licensed to practice in the country, more than 2,863 have emigrated, resulting in a poor pharmacist-to-patient ratio of one pharmacist to 13,385 people. This is far below the World Health Organisation’s recommended ratio of one pharmacist to 2,000 people.
Calling for government’s intervention, Oyim expressed concern over the challenging working environment for pharmacists and urged collaboration among healthcare professionals to address these issues. He highlighted the role of pharmacists in developing innovative solutions to reduce health disparities, advancing precision medicine, enhancing patient engagement, and strengthening healthcare systems through data-driven insights.
Oyim also emphasised the growing importance of health education in the digital age, praising pharmacists as key guardians of health literacy. He highlighted their tireless efforts in educating patients and communities on healthy living, medication adherence, combating misinformation, and supporting vulnerable populations in navigating complex healthcare systems.
The newly elected as AHAPN’s national chairman, expressed deep respect for the dedication, expertise, and compassion shown by pharmacists. He urged his colleagues to intensify efforts toward building a healthier, more connected world, where pharmacists continue to bridge gaps in global healthcare needs.
World Pharmacists Day, usually celebrated on every 25 September, is a day chosen by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) the global body of Pharmacy to celebrate and recognise the contributions of pharmacists in creating better health outcomes around the world. It marks the anniversary of the inception of FIP in 1912 and was adopted by the FIP Council in 2009.
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