Posted on: Thu 27-10-2022

Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has drawn attention to “an unprecedented movement of pharmacists from Nigeria”, with over 6,000 emigrating to Canada, United Kingdom, United States, Australia and Saudi Arabia for greener pastures in the last five years.

PSN President, Prof. Cyril Odianose Usifoh, made the disclosure, yesterday, at a media briefing, in Lagos, to herald the body’s 95th National Scientific Conference holding from October 31 to November 4, 2022 in Jos, Plateau State.

The event, titled, Tin City 2022, has ‘Medicine Security in an Unstable Economy’ as its theme. Usifoh said: “At the last count, about 5,208 pharmacists have left the country in the last five years in search of the proverbial greener pastures, especially in Canada, UK and the U.S. just like their counterparts in other health fields and indeed many young Nigerians. PCN has also confirmed that 803 pharmacists collected letters of good standing from the Council in 2021.”

While reaffirming that the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended ratio of healthcare workers to the population is 23 to 1,000, he regretted that in Nigeria, the figure remained abysmal 1.95 to 1,000.

When expressed in terms of pharmacists’ component, the PSN boss said there are 0.07 professionals to 1,000 or one pharmacist to over 14,000 Nigerians.

“According to WHO, the acceptable and recommended ratio of pharmacists to the population is one pharmacist to 2,000,” he clarified.

On some of the causes of the brain drain, Usifoh said: “Poor healthcare funding with the gap standing at close to $200 billion. This is responsible for the infrastructure deficit and pitiable working conditions of many healthcare workers.

He also cited remuneration and welfare issues, as well as contentious healthcare leadership and governance in a multi-disciplinary system.

The pharmacist said government could attempt to address the problem by ensuring: improved healthcare funding and fairness in financing; career progression and meaningful engagement of healthcare workers; respect; teamwork and a health system governance that accommodates all.

Others are recognition and remuneration for specialisation; improved work environment and benefits; culture and interpersonal social networks, as well as and training and development.

A key feature of the conference, he added, would be the interaction with presidential candidates. He said over 4,000 pharmacists from around Nigeria would appraise the contestants jostling for the nation’s number one job.

“As a professional body, we are aware that the leadership of the country would go a long way towards the achievement of our collective aspirations. So, due attention will be accorded this programme. We call on the candidates to take advantage of this gathering to enlighten Nigerians on what they have to offer,” he appealed.

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