The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has called on the Federal Government to end perceived systemic bias favouring medical doctors and ensure equity among all health professionals to stem the tide of mass migration and improve healthcare delivery.
Speaking at a pre-conference briefing in Lagos, PSN President Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim accused the government of “apathy and partiality,” stating that such favouritism is undermining sector harmony and driving skilled professionals abroad.
“The profession is losing talent rapidly. PSN data shows that over 8,200 pharmacists have not renewed their licenses in the past five years, many of them having migrated abroad. The government must address this exodus in the national interest,” he stated.
Pharm. Ibrahim highlighted several areas of contention, including a proposed salary adjustment that would widen the pay gap between doctors and other health workers under the CONMESS and CONHESS structures.
“This proposal, if allowed, will deepen inequality. Our wages must be parity-based, not relativity-based,” he warned.
He also strongly criticised the creation of specialised “Universities of Medicine,” describing the naming convention as “discriminatory and unconstitutional.”
He argued that it suggests the superiority of one profession over other vital health disciplines.
The PSN President announced that these issues would be central to discussions at the Society’s 98th Annual National Conference, themed “Pharmacy Forward: Building a Future-Ready Workforce,” scheduled for November in Kano state.
Reporting by Niran Odufayo