Pharmacists warn against controversial bill, say health sector at risk

From Doris Obinna

The Young Pharmacists Group (YPG) of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has raised alarm over a recent bill passed by the House of Representatives, warning that it could destabilize the health sector and undermine national dignity.

The bill in question seeks to establish the Pharmaceutical Technologists and Pharmacy Technicians Council, a move the YPG describes as legislative insensitivity that could lead to chaos in drug distribution and healthcare delivery.

In a statement signed by the Chairman, PSN-YPG, Tekena George, criticized the passage of the bill, which he said disregarded previous expert recommendations, public hearings, and global best practices.

The National Institute rejected the bill, which has been debated in previous legislative sessions, after extensive research for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS). A 2018 public hearing, attended by key stakeholders such as the Federal Ministry of Health, Nigerian Law Reform Commission, and Nigerian Medical Association, also opposed its passage, citing potential conflicts with the existing Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN).

“The PCN is already empowered to regulate pharmacy practice, including the training and certification of pharmacy technicians. Creating a new council for pharmaceutical technologists is unnecessary and will only introduce regulatory confusion,” George stated.

The YPG warned that if the bill becomes law, it would create a parallel regulatory body with overlapping functions, weakening the drug and vaccine supply chain.

“The attempt to establish a separate council will create an unprecedented crisis in the pharmaceutical sector. It will burden the government financially without adding value to the healthcare system,” the YPG warned.

Adding to the concerns, the Federal Ministries of Health and Education signed an MoU in April 2024 to abolish Pharmaceutical Technology training in Nigeria, aligning with global best practices. Ghana also recently discontinued undergraduate training for Pharmaceutical Technology, further reinforcing the argument that the bill is unnecessary.

The pharmacists urged the Senate President to block the bill, warning that its passage would damage Nigeria’s healthcare system and waste public funds.

“This action not only jeopardizes public health but also tarnishes the reputation of the National Assembly. Our lawmakers are elected to protect citizens, not to push for policies that could endanger lives.

“With rising concerns over Nigeria’s healthcare workforce, drug supply chain, and pharmaceutical regulations, experts are watching to see whether the Senate will halt the controversial bill or allow it to progress further,” the YPG stated.