As pharmacists across the globe commemorate World Pharmacists Day 2025, members of the Consultant Pharmacists Association of Nigeria have charged the Federal Government with the urgent need to adopt a single spine salary structure in the health sector. They described this as a lasting solution to incessant strikes and professional disharmony, noting that a unified pay system would provide a level playing field for all healthcare professionals, enabling them to discharge their duties based on qualification and expertise, and reducing discrimination against non-physicians.
The consultant pharmacists also called for greater collaboration and stronger integration of pharmacists into the national health strategy. In particular, they urged Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) and Medical Directors of teaching hospitals and federal medical centres to immediately create vacancies and appoint Pharmacist Consultants from the pool of qualified fellows of the Postgraduate College who are awaiting placement.
World Pharmacists Day was established by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) in 2009 to celebrate the invaluable contributions of pharmacists to healthcare systems worldwide. The theme for 2025, “Think Health, Think Pharmacist,” focuses on the central role pharmacists play in healthcare delivery and health system strengthening. In a statement issued for this year’s commemoration, the FIP strongly condemned the practice—found in some countries—where budgetary constraints have led to the hiring of non-professional health workers to perform roles that require trained pharmacists.
“This short-term approach, driven by immediate cost-saving goals, can have far-reaching, detrimental consequences,” the FIP warned.
FIP President, Mr Paul Sinclair, emphasised the risks of sidelining pharmacists in healthcare delivery. “Pharmacy without the pharmacist is a risk to health. It undermines the quality and safety of care, threatens medicine optimisation, and jeopardises public trust in health systems,” Sinclair said. “We are addressing what might be one of the most critical issues of our time: safeguarding health by investing in qualified pharmacists, even in times of financial turbulence.”
Interim Chairman of Consultant Pharmacists Association of Nigeria, Dr Kingsley Amibor, in an interview with Pharmanewsonline, called on the Federal Government to emulate existing models in the military and academia, where unified salary structures exist across all ranks and designations.
“In the military, there is no separate salary structure for generals, colonels, or other cadres. Similarly, in academia, professors, readers, and senior lecturers operate under one salary structure,” Amibor noted. “Such a single spine salary structure fosters trust, mutual respect, and harmony—qualities currently missing in the healthcare sector.”
He also condemned the downgrading of consultant pharmacists by some hospital administrators. “We strongly condemn the deliberate efforts by hospital management to step down consultant pharmacists by one or two grade levels, even when they are eminently qualified for higher appointments.”
Amibor urged government ministries, agencies, and parastatals not to deprive Nigerians of the benefits of consultant pharmacists’ expertise. “We call on the government to immediately employ consultant pharmacists and urge non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to also create positions for them in their establishments.”
He further criticised a recent job relativity exercise that reportedly gave physicians a 50% pay increase over pharmacists, describing it as unjustifiable. “This act negates best practices and is a recipe for mistrust and confusion. It worsens existing disharmony within the healthcare sector. We call for an immediate return to the status quo.”
Reinforcing the essential role of pharmacists, FIP President Sinclair described them as the most accessible members of the healthcare system, especially in underserved communities. “Pharmacists ensure the availability and appropriate use of medicines, deliver vaccinations and preventive care, support public health campaigns, promote rational antibiotic use, improve health literacy, and serve as a trusted point of contact for millions,” Sinclair said. “In short, pharmacists deliver safe, cost-effective care that strengthens health systems and contributes to universal health coverage.”
Echoing this, Dr Amibor described pharmacists as professionals who add immense value through medication therapy management, health education, and ensuring access to quality and safe medicines. He urged physicians and other healthcare professionals to embrace teamwork. “Healthcare delivery is a collaborative effort. Medical consultants and physicians must intentionally work with us for the good of patients.”
Amibor encouraged members of the Consultant Pharmacists Association to remain committed to their calling. “Let this day be a renewed call to action,” he said. “Let us continue to innovate, to advocate, and to serve with excellence.”
