The Clinical Pharmacists Association of Nigeria (CPAN) has strongly faulted the Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) over its December 1, 2025 petition opposing the consultant cadre for pharmacists and nurses, describing the document as fear-driven, unacademic, and lacking intellectual rigor.
In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Dr. Maureen Nwafor, and National Secretary, Dr. AbdulMuminu Isah, CPAN said NAMDA’s arguments recycle long-discredited claims and risk misleading policymakers at a critical moment in health sector reform.
Dr. Nwafor noted that NAMDA’s petition showed no scholarly structure, cited no evidence, and relied heavily on emotional rhetoric rather than facts.
She maintained that a truly academic submission should be rooted in logical reasoning and existing scientific literature, insisting that the petition failed these basic standards.
According to her, NAMDA’s suggestion that pharmacists and nurses lack clinical relevance is contradicted by global and Nigerian studies.
CPAN highlighted evidence showing that pharmacist-led interventions reduce therapy errors, improve adherence, strengthen patient safety, and enhance outcomes across epilepsy, diabetes, asthma/COPD, HIV care, and mental health.
The Association also pointed out that consultant pharmacists and nurses are well established in countries like the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and South Africa, where they contribute significantly to improved care and reduced system costs.
The Association urged the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and the National Council on Establishments not to be influenced by arguments driven by apprehension rather than data.
It stressed that the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) Act 2022 already provides a modern legal framework supporting advanced clinical roles, contrary to the outdated statutes cited in NAMDA’s petition.
CPAN called for unity and collaboration in the health sector, warning that professional rivalry undermines service delivery and national development.
Reaffirming its support for the full implementation of the consultant cadre for pharmacists and nurses, the Association said Nigeria must embrace reforms aligned with global best practices, noting that history will remember stakeholders who stood on the side of progress and patient safety.
Reporting by Niran Odufayo