By Uzo Ugwunze
The Reformed Forum of Pharmacy Technicians in Nigeria, RFPTN has made a heartfelt plea to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Honourable Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Tajudeen Abbas to utilize their esteemed offices to approve the Inauguration of the Governing Council of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, PCN
The appeal to inaugurate cum reconstitute the PCN Governing Council which was dissolved last year by the present administration was made by the RFPTN President, Pharm. Tech. Shagba Humphrey during the association’s 2nd Annual National Conference themed “Revitalizing the Pharmacy Technician Profession in Nigeria: Exploring Potentials for Growth and Development” which held at PSN Lagos State Secretariat, Lagos.
According to Pharm. Tech Shagba Humphrey, this crucial action of reconstituting and inaugurating a new Governing Council is of paramount importance for the timely review and effective implementation of policies that will serve the overall interest and advancement of the entire Pharmaceutical Sector in Nigeria.
“After the appointment of Pharm. (Mrs.) Hajiya Wosilat Giwa FPSN as the Chairman of PCN Governing Council by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on February 15, 2024 and her official resumption of duty at the PCN office on July 17, 2024, Hajiya Giwa has not been inaugurated thereby resulting to her not being able to constitute the council members nor convene a meeting of all members of the Governing Council as enshrined in the PCN act,” he said.
Moreover, RFPTN President advocated for fair representation of the Pharmacy Technicians in the PCN saying that In the past, the total council members were above 80 with only three(3) pharmacy technicians making the number.
“In the last Governing Council of the PCN, Pharmacy Technicians were three in number, the rest are Pharmacists, Even though the act said 3 pharmacy Technician, we feel it should be more than that. We want to advocate for an increased number of pharmacy Technicians representation. RFPTN requests for about 30 or 40 percent slot of the total composition of governing Council of the PCN while the rest 70 or 60 percent could be Pharmacists,” said Pharm Tech Shagba Humphrey.
Moreso, Shagba appealed to relevant authorities both in Government ,Public and Private Health Sectors to recognize and consider engaging the professional services of pharmacy technicians for a safer and healthier nation adding that a regulation be put in place to ensure that all medicine stores are supervised by staff with a minimum qualification of pharmacy technician.
“It is disheartening to note the limited employment and minimal representation within Federal, State, and Primary Healthcare Development Agencies. Most critically, it is a grave concern that even our own regulatory body, the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), employed only two Pharmacy Technicians within its entire staff. This underutilization of our skilled workforce not only limits our professional growth but also hinders the efficient delivery of pharmaceutical care.
“We will not relent in our appeal to the relevant authorities to recognize this critical oversight, and we would be immensely gratified to see a minimum of two Pharmacy Technicians appointed to each PCN State and zonal office, which would serve as an outstanding example for other agencies and lead to greater satisfaction within our association and a more robust regulatory framework.
“Therefore, at this pivotal National Conference, we collectively and earnestly appeal to the Federal Government and the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria for the decisive approval and implementation of a robust regulatory framework that unequivocally recognizes the Pharmacy Technician qualification as the minimum standard for the superintendence of Medicine Stores.
“In this modern era, it is, frankly, a matter of grave public health concern that individuals lacking formal pharmaceutical training, sometimes possessing only a First School Leaving Certificate or basic literacy, are permitted to manage medicine stores. This antiquated practice casts a long shadow of risk over the health and safety of our communities, contributing to issues like antimicrobial resistance due to inappropriate dispensing and the proliferation of counterfeit medications. It is our collective responsibility to advocate for immediate and impactful change, aligning with national health goals of ensuring quality and safe healthcare for all Nigerians,” Shagba said
” We propose a collaborative effort with academic institutions and the PCN to develop and accredit these advanced training programs, building a ladder of professional growth for every Pharmacy Technician,” he said.
In her speech, the Chairperson Governing Council of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, Pharm. Hajiya Wosilat Giwa reiterated the need for synergy between the pharmacy technicians and pharmacists adding that medicine stores should not be operating in the absence of at least pharmacy technicians.
“Everywhere you find Pharmacy Technicians they are working with the pharmacists. Proprietors or medicine dealers should not operate without having pharmacy technicians in their premises because they have been so trained to provide sanity, information and education on drugs.
“Pharmacy Technicians should continue to be law abiding citizens, aspire to be the best to reach the peak of your career or wherever you find yourself. The Governing Council of PCN will continue to seek ways and means of advancing pharmacy technician training and practice in Nigeria,” said Hajiya Giwa.
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