18th Annual National Conference of the Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists, (AHAPN)

Posted on: Thu 11-08-2016

Address by the president of the Pharmaceutical Spciety of Nigeria (PSN), Pharm. Ahmed I Yakasai, FPSN, FNIM, FNAPharm, on the occastion of the 18th Annual National Conference of the Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists, on the 9th of AUG

It is with great delight and joy that I stand here today to address the 18th Annual National Conference of AHAPN in my capacity as the President of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN). I want to use this opportunity to bring the fraternal greetings and best wishes of NEC, Council and entire membership of the PSN to AHAPN (a technical arm of PSN) on this memorable occasion.

Indeed, over the years, hospital pharmacy practice has been a yardstick by which the public measures the role of pharmacy profession to the healthcare delivery services and that is the reason why hospital pharmacy is often referred to as the window of pharmacy practice.

As pharmacists, we have an embodiment of knowledge and skills that are not duplicated in any other professional. Our roles in ambulatory care include dispensing and compounding of medications, counselling patients, enhancing medication adherence, monitoring drug therapy, minimizing medication errors and pharmacoeconomics. The extent to which we have demonstrated our expertise, our conduct and the way we practice our profession over the years have led credence to pharmacists been ranked among the most respected individuals in the society.

The choice of this year’s Conference’s theme: “Enhancing Pharmaceutical Care through Hospital based Compounding” is particularly apt as we are seeking to further prove the relevance and indispensability of pharmacy profession in the health care delivery system. I make bold to state here today that pharmacists have a unique responsibility to serve their patients through compounding appropriately prescribed medication which may either be sterile or non-sterile to meet the specific needs of patients.

Pharmaceutical service delivery activities that target individual patients therapy include pharmaceutical care and compounding functions. These functions are related and important and exclusive preserve of pharmacists. Our expertise in these areas must be used to deliver medicines in appropriate dosage forms to enhance adherence to medication therapy especially in the care of paediatric and geriatric patients.

As President of PSN, my solidarity and commitment towards the pursuance of Consultancy cadre for holders of postgraduate fellowship and parity in the reward system among health workers is sacrosanct. In the past months, PSN has taken measures to actualize series of demands of hospital pharmacists by tabling your requests before President Muhammadu Buhari, Head of Service of the Federation and Honourable Minister of Health, among several others with assurances that your grievances would be appropriately addressed.

Our mantra of constructive collaboration is yielding dividends as evident in the recent approval granted for the implementation of Pharm. D Curriculum in Nigerian Universities by the National Universities Commission (NUC) as announced by Prof. Julius Okojie. Also, relevant documents and circulars supporting the adjustments of CONHESS salary structure have been submitted to appropriate quarters. The lists of pharmacists that are yet to be paid ‘skipping’ allowance as well as those who are beneficiaries of specialist allowances have been submitted to the FMOH.

Furthermore, the implementation of upward review of retirement age to 65 years is being vigorously pursued and we are hopeful that the circular on this policy will soon be released by the office of the Head of Service of the Federation.

Distinguished colleagues, I want to encourage you to explore the socials and leisures that your stay in this rocky but cool city that is the administrative capital of the Gateway State has to offer for your maximum relaxation and enjoyment.

I want to admonish the leadership of this technical arm to promote unity among its members. I am aware that most Federal Tertiary hospitals that are illegally adopting the PPP concept are taking advantage of disunity within the rank and file of the staff Pharmacists of the hospital pharmacy departments. As public servants we must exhibit high sense of discipline and patriotism.

On a final note, let me also use this privilege to personally invite you to the 89th Annual National Conference of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria in the month of November tagged ‘POWER STATE 2016’ in Minna, Niger State. I want to assure you that PSN and good people of Niger State are eagerly awaiting your coming.

Thank you and God bless you all.

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