The Clinical Pharmacists Association of Nigeria (CPAN) has strongly criticised a recent petition issued by the Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA), describing it as an unsubstantiated attempt to undermine the consultant cadre for pharmacists and nurses.
NAMDA had, in a December 1, 2025 letter to the Head of Service of the Federation, opposed the recognition of consultant pharmacists and consultant nurses in the federal public service. But in a detailed response signed by CPAN National Chairman, Dr. Maureen Nwafor, and National Secretary, Dr. AbdulMuminu Isah, the Association dismissed the petition as “unacademic, inconsistent, and lacking the standards expected of an academic body.”
Dr. Nwafor explained that CPAN felt obligated to respond because NAMDA’s position recycles outdated arguments and presents misleading claims capable of confusing policymakers. She noted that the document failed to provide citations, peer-reviewed evidence, or logical analysis to support its assertions.
“A credible academic submission must rely on evidence and sound reasoning. NAMDA’s petition exhibits neither,” Dr. Nwafor said. “It is punctuated by contradictions, emotional appeals, and outdated assumptions that fall apart under objective review.”
She further faulted what she described as scientifically unsupported claims suggesting that pharmacists and nurses have no clinical relevance, saying such arguments contradict global and local research.
According to CPAN, numerous Nigerian studies have demonstrated that pharmacist-led clinical interventions improve treatment outcomes, strengthen drug safety, reduce therapy errors, and enhance patient adherence in disease areas such as asthma, diabetes, mental health, and HIV care. The Association added that even pharmacy students have produced outcome-based research showing measurable benefits to patient care.
CPAN maintained that consultant pharmacists and consultant nurses are already integral parts of healthcare systems in countries such as the UK, the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. Their roles, the group noted, contribute significantly to clinical governance, patient safety, and cost-effective service delivery.
“Nigeria is only catching up with international best practice,” Dr. Nwafor said. “Resistance to consultant cadres is rooted in old thinking, not in science.”
The Association appealed to the Head of Service of the Federation and members of the National Council on Establishments to ignore arguments driven by fear and preserve the integrity of ongoing health sector reforms. It stressed that the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) Act 2022 already provides a modern legal basis supporting the evolving roles of pharmacists.
CPAN reaffirmed its commitment to a more collaborative health sector, urging all professional groups to prioritise patient welfare over rivalry.
“Nigeria’s healthcare system cannot progress when professionals are locked in battles for dominance,” the statement added. “Our nation needs evidence-based reforms, shared respect, and teamwork to build a truly patient-centred system.”
The Association reiterated its support for the Federal Government’s efforts to fully implement the consultant cadre policy for pharmacists and nurses, noting that the reform remains essential to modernising Nigeria’s health system.