By Admin:
The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has called on President Bola Tinubu to address what it described as the marginalization of non-physician health workers in key leadership roles in health and education sectors.
In a statement by its National Chairman, Mr Ambrose Ezeh, the pharmacists also allege that doctors are favoured for top hospital positions, earn higher pay, and enjoy privileges denied to other health workers.
It cited recent developments at the University of Calabar, where medical lecturers reportedly protested the selection process for a new Vice-Chancellor, and a similar case at Nnamdi Azikwe University.
According to the ACPN, these actions contradict existing guidelines which require Vice-Chancellors to hold a Ph.D., a qualification many physicians allegedly lack.
They also criticised recent health policies, including the MEDIPOOL drug procurement platform, claiming it excludes pharmacists, and called for a Federal Drug Management Agency to improve transparency in drug supply.
It warned that the continued sidelining of other health professionals could discourage young Nigerians from pursuing careers in the sector.
As at the time of this report, there has been no official response from the Federal Government or relevant ministries.
