CPAN Accuses NAMDA of “Fear-Driven, Unacademic Campaign” Against Pharmacists, Nurses

The Clinical Pharmacists Association of Nigeria (CPAN) has delivered a sharp, evidence-backed rebuttal to the Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) over its December 1, 2025 petition to the Head of Service of the Federation, describing the attack on consultant pharmacists and consultant nurses as baseless, contradictory, and intellectually weak.

In a strongly worded statement signed by its National Chairman, Dr. Maureen Nwafor, and National Secretary, Dr. AbdulMuminu Isah, CPAN said it was compelled to respond because NAMDA’s petition “recycles long-disproved arguments” and misleads policymakers at a critical moment in Nigeria’s health sector reforms.

Dr. Nwafor criticised NAMDA’s submission for lacking scholarly structure, supporting evidence, and proper citations, noting that its conclusions were driven more by fear than academic rigour.

“A truly academic document is built on evidence and logical reasoning. NAMDA’s petition fails on all fronts. It is riddled with contradictions, emotional blackmail, outdated claims, and assertions that collapse under simple academic scrutiny,” she said.

CPAN condemned as “scientifically baseless” the claim that pharmacists and nurses lack clinical relevance, stressing that global and Nigerian evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates their critical role across hospitals, communities, and specialised care.

The Association cited multiple studies showing that pharmacist-led interventions reduce drug therapy problems, enhance adherence, improve disease control, prevent harm, and strengthen patient safety with documented benefits in epilepsy, asthma/COPD, diabetes, depression, and HIV care.
Dr. Nwafor noted that even pharmacy students have produced research showing measurable clinical impact.

“When a profession’s trainees can improve patient outcomes, any claim of that profession’s irrelevance becomes indefensible,” she added.

CPAN reminded stakeholders that consultant pharmacists and consultant nurses are well-established pillars in advanced health systems across the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and South Africa and Nigeria is merely aligning with global best practice.

“Opposition to consultant cadres is rooted in outdated thinking, not evidence,” Dr. Nwafor noted.

Calling on the Head of Service of the Federation and the National Council on Establishments, CPAN urged the government not to be swayed by “documents built on fear rather than facts,” insisting that strengthening consultant cadres is essential for a safer, more efficient, and globally competitive health system.

The Association also pointed to the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) Act 2022 as the modern legal framework guiding practice one that supersedes the outdated statutes NAMDA relied upon in its petition.

Ending on a unifying note, CPAN appealed for an end to inter-professional rivalry, stressing that Nigeria’s health challenges are too vast for divisive battles.

“Our patients deserve a 21st-century health system built on cooperation and respect for every cadre’s expertise. History will remember those who stood on the side of progress,” the statement concluded.

CPAN reaffirmed its readiness to support the Federal Government in fully implementing consultant pharmacist and consultant nurse cadres, describing the reform as “non-negotiable for a modern, world-class healthcare system.”