• Propose participation in home care for chronic patients 

• Congratulate member, Nuhu Zagbayi, on election as senator

AS part of efforts to enhance drug production and distribution in the country and to mark the 2014 World Pharmacists Day (WPD), pharmacists under the aegis of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) have called on the Senate to adopt the harmonized National Health Bill (NHB).

     Also, in order to encourage safety in drug usage, enhance effective treatment of patients with chronic diseases, and promote good health in the community, the Society is proposing participation in Community Pharmacist Home Health Care for Chronic Patients Programme. 

       The PSN has also congratulated one its members, Pharm. (Dr.) Nuhu Zagbayi, who is a Fellow of the Society on his election as a Senator.

      Senator Zagbayi is the Chief Pharmacist at Zagbayi Pharmacy Limited, SW 307 Hospital Road, Minna, Niger State.

      PSN in a letter to the Senate President, David Mark, signed by its President, Olumide Akintayo, wrote: “I bring Your Excellency good tidings. The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) finds it necessary to convey its gratitude to Your Excellency for your strategic interventions at the many recurring stress junctions dotting the path of healthcare endeavours in Nigeria.

     “In similar spirit we once again convey the gratitude of the entire membership of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria to Your Excellency for receiving us last year with uncommon courtesy and fulfilling your promise to assist us redress some of the provisions in National Health Bill which we reasoned were unconstitutional.

     “Your Excellency, the PSN is aware that there is a harmonized version of National Health Bill today which procedurally requires an adoption by the Senate. In view of the unfolding momentum, which is expected to be at full blast in the days ahead, we solicit the support of Your Excellency to facilitate the adoption of the harmonized National Health Bill, so that it can receive Presidential assent…” 

        The PSN in a congratulatory message to Senator Zagbayi said: “On behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC), the Council and entire membership of the PSN, I wish to congratulate you on your election as Senator.

     “There is no doubt that this victory is as a result of your many years of dedicated service to your fatherland and as a seasoned administrator that has entrenched core values in the development of our dear nation.

      “We assure you of the support and prayers of pharmacists. Please accept the assurances of our highest regards.”

      Meanwhile, Akintayo in a press statement released on the WPD, September 25, 2014, today, said access to pharmacists is access to health.

    The PSN President said the pharmacy profession has a long and proud tradition, and pharmacists – playing many different roles – are valued, trusted, and respected members of their communities.

     On the home care initiative, Akintayo said an annual increasing incident of chronic diseases has given direct impact to an increase in medical expense as well as to public health system of Nigeria. In addition, he said, most patients with chronic diseases require continuous treatment and several have faced difficulties of Drug Related Problem (DRPs), drug use risk and patient non-compliance resulting in ineffective treatment.

     The PSN President said experiences obtained from participating in Community Pharmacist Home Health Care for Chronic Patients Programme compel developing potential and capability to learn and to exchange views with patients. 

    He said the PSN believes home visit is one good alternative to apply academic knowledge we have learned into practice. “It helps to encourage appropriate patient’s health behaviour in their livelihood and not only their physical health, but also their mental health. All of which are elements that lead to a better quality of living and that is the most important goal for us all ......Home Care Pharmacists,” Akintayo said.

   The PSN President said in celebrating the ideals of this year’s WPD, the Society of encourages consumers of health to embrace the home care initiative as a benefit package pharmacy bring on board the value chain in their quest for deliverables. “To all consumers of medicines, here is welcoming you to a world of new possibilities in healthcare,” he said.

     Akjintayo said the role and contribution of pharmacists in the overall context of health care delivery is, however, changing dramatically on a global level. He said the changes could be summarised as pharmacists’ focus on assuming a greater responsibility for the safe, effective and responsible use of medications by patients and populations, with the main goal of optimising therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, Akintayo, said pharmacists are assuming key roles in health promotion, disease prevention and the management of systems and resources associated with health care delivery.

     He said these developments, such as medication therapy management, evidence – based pharmacy, collaborative practice, independent prescribing and rational and responsible use of medicines, require clinical and communication skills, decision-making and critical thinking, leadership, innovation and research abilities. Akintayo said they have been well described in FIP documents, such as the Global Competency Framework (2012), Pharmacy Vision for 2020 (2011), Good Pharmacy Practice Standards for Quality of Pharmacy Services (1993, 1997, 2011) and Statement of Professional Standards on Pharmaceutical Care (1998). 

      The PSN President said countries, on a global basis, are at many different stages in this transition, and even within countries there may be differences in the degree to which change has been effected. He said cultural, historical and political factors also impact the rate of these changes.

     Akintayo further explained: “Changes in the education of pharmacists and regulation of pharmacy practice have paralleled these developments. As medication therapy has become more complex, more accessible and used in more diverse patient populations (including a greater proportion of elderly patients), patient safety issues and accountability for outcomes of therapy have become a greater focus of attention.”

     He said consumers and governments alike are demanding higher standards and seeking assurances of service quality and patient safety; and as nations seek to improve standards for health care delivery, greater attention is being paid to the quantity and quality of health care practitioners, including the systems in place to assure the quality of education and training and the continuing competence of practitioners.

     The PSN President said recognising the many benefits that can accrue to society through the optimal use of pharmacists in health care delivery, many countries are undergoing (or planning to undergo) major transformation of pharmacy education.       He said they are examining the roles and responsibilities that pharmacists can and should have in the delivery of health care services, and articulating and competencies that are required to effectively perform these roles and responsibilities. 

     Akintayo also said they are considering what levels, models and duration of education and training are needed to ensure that pharmacists achieve these competencies before entering practice, and, importantly, maintain and enhance them throughout their professional careers.