THE Association of Cornmunity Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has traced the haphazard implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHlS) to the hijack of the programme by a certain professional body to the disadvantage of other professionals in the health sector.
The National Chairman of ACPN, Dr. Albert Alkali who made the disclosure in Lagos, lauded the NHlS as wonderful health programme but stressed that the original concept of the scheme have been altered to favour a certain group in the sector.
Alkali used the opportunity to express ACPN displeasure over the lack of proper regulations in the"health sector particularly as it affects drug distributions and dispensation. He also expressed concern about the issue of fake drugs in the country.
He said: "All health professionals must be involved in the implementation of the NHlS project. It is not meant for only one professional body to handle. This is what has stalled the scheme because many professions are not involved.
"Our members are not carried along in the NHIS project. The initial concept was doctored. In the initial concept, Pharmacists get their fees from the sclieme but now it is not so. NHlS is not working because we have are not involved. "
The ACPN boss disclosed that. his association has advised a meeting be conveyed to resolve the grey areas while the National Secretary of the body, Mr. Afuye Adeoye, alleged that money meant for other professionals in the NHlS are given to doctors to supply and dispense drugs.
Alkali .revealed that ACPN would partner withthe government to ensure regulations an drugs are implemented and en- sure Nigerians get quality drugs even as he warned against people patronizing unregistered persons who sell drugs.
His words: "ACPN is looking at ways to ensure quality drugs are available to Nigerians. We are working on a document to be presented to government on drugs
regulation. Professionals should be allowed to dispense drugs rather than rich businessmen running it for profit making.
"We are worried about the issue of fake drugs in the country. Our members buy from the right sources. We will not hesitate to sanction erring members involved in fake drugs. Drugs hawkers should be arrested and jailed.
Those selling on the road sides and buses should be apprehended also. If there are proper regulations, people will not be selling drugs in the streets or buses."
Alkali revealed that no fewer than six members are currently facing the disciplinary council stating' 'we forward names of erring members to the disciplinary
council. Government must empower the regulatory bodies especially our council to ensure the health system is protested." Ad.eoye said because of the high illiterate level, Nigerians find it difficult to distinguish between a Pharmacist and business store.
He advised Nigerians to buy their drugs from registered Pharmacist with the association emblem in front of the place.
On' which profession should the next Minister of Health come from Mr. Adeoye said all the health professions can produce the health minister noting he/she can bea doctor as long as he does the right things. Allow level playing field for all professions.
"Any of the health profession can head the health ministry. All that is expected of hirnlher is that such a person must be a good ad- ministrator. Ensure that the interest of all the professions is pro- tected. We will support anybody that will do the right things," he stated.'
By Gabriel Dike
Daily Sun
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