The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has accused the Federal Government of showing bias and favouritism in the management of the nation’s health sector, calling for equity and fairness among all health professionals.
The PSN said that government policies appeared to unduly favour medical doctors over other professionals, a situation it described as divisive and detrimental to effective healthcare delivery.
Speaking during a pre-conference media briefing at the PSN National Secretariat in Anthony Village, Lagos, the Society’s President, Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, said the government’s approach had led to growing discontent and inefficiency within the sector.
The briefing was held ahead of the 98th Annual National Conference (DABO 2025) of the PSN, scheduled for November 3–8, 2025, at Bayero University, Kano.
“There has been too much bias in the management of our health system,” Ibrahim said. “Pharmacists and other health professionals deserve equal recognition and opportunities. It is time to correct this imbalance and build a truly fair health sector.”
He described the loss of skilled pharmacists to other countries as alarming, disclosing that over 8,200 pharmacists had failed to renew their licenses in the last five years, largely due to poor welfare and limited professional recognition.
According to him, the Federal Government must urgently address the issue to prevent a further decline in manpower across the healthcare system.
The PSN President also condemned the proposed salary relativity review between the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), warning that such a move could widen existing inequalities.
“This proposal will deepen professional divisions,” he warned. “Our collective bargaining agreement with the Federal Government is clear, wages must be parity-based, not relativity-based. We will resist any policy that discriminates against pharmacists and other health workers.”
He also criticized the continued establishment of Universities of Medicine, describing the move as unconstitutional and discriminatory against other vital health disciplines.
“Naming new universities as ‘Universities of Medicine’ is misleading,” Ibrahim said. “It sends a wrong message that medicine is superior to other professions. Every health discipline plays an essential role in patient care.”
The PSN President announced that preparations were in progress for the PSN Centenary Celebration (1927–2027) to mark the Society’s 100 years of contributions to national development.
He added that the DABO 2025 Conference, themed “Pharmacy Forward: Building a Future-Ready Workforce for Performance, Collaboration and Transformation,” would provide a platform for policymakers, global health partners, and stakeholders to discuss the future of the profession in Nigeria.
Also present at the briefing were Pharm. Ezeh Ambrose Igwekamma, National Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), and Pharm. (Sir) Anthony Bola Oyawole, Treasurer of the Nigerian Academy of Pharmacy and former Chairman of the PSN Lagos Branch.