PSN SALUTES SENATE PRESIDENT, SENATOR ABUBAKAR BUKOLA SARAKI FOR KEEPING TO HIS PROMISE ON BASIC HEALTH CARE PROVISION FUND (A PROVISION OF NATIONAL HEALTH ACT 2014) 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) appreciates the provision of 1% (one percent) of the Consolidated Revenue Fund as basic health care fund in the allocation to the health sector in the 2018 Appropriation Act. This is surely a 'milestone' which will transform the health care landscape in Nigeria and invariably makes the Universal Health Coverage a reality. 

 

PSN can vividly remember when the Senate President made a commitment during the inauguration of its President in 2016 at Transcorp Hilton and subsequently at PSN-PACFah advocacy under PACFaH project when together with other professional bodies and Civil Society Organisations we made frantic efforts to push for the implementation of National Health Act 2014. 

 

PSN commends the lawmakers for providing N57.15 billion in this year's budget as provided by the National Health Act 2014 which was passed in 2014 but not fully implemented till date. PSN believes that with this in focus, it should now be possible for every Nigerian to have a feel of health care services he needs, when and where he needs them without facing financial hardship-which is the goal the Law intends to achieve. 

 

Also, by extension this will improve health, reduces poverty, create jobs, drives economic growth by healthy citizens and prevent epidemics. However, the question to ask is why the delay in implementation of the National Health Act 2014 till now? Of course, nothing can work if the health care providers, who are key drivers of the project (health) refuse to appreciate and embrace one another and change their approach to life as it is obtainable in other climes. 

This is rightly so because each member of the team is critical to the day-to- day operations of our health systems. 

 

Unfortunately our Minister of Health is not helping matters. It is our prayer that God will touch his heart to stop dividing the health care family. 

 

International standard as far as best practice is concerned is consistent with interdisciplinary team approach to provision of patient centred care both in the hospital and outpatient setting. Pharmacists play key role globally in terms of Medication Therapy Management. A Pharmacist is not responsible for diagnosis nor prescribing medication but he on the other hand, have responsibility to the patient and other health care professionals including the Medical Doctors, Nurses etc by providing a critical service of Medication Therapy Management in order to reduce Medication errors, improved clinical outcomes, ensure cost effective patient management and promote patient safety. 

 

With these benefits to patients and the country, why should someone be opposed to Pharmacy Specialists as Consultants? Why is our Minister of Health in Nigeria so divisive? He needs to realise that he is a father of all. We are tired of the divisive tendencies of 'my territory' and 'their territories' and all we need is peace in health care systems In our beloved country. 

 

Inter-professional collaboration among the health care professionals is key and If he cannot champion it, he should honourably resign and go in peace. 

 

Lastly, Nigeria like other countries must wholesomely recognise and strengthened the pharmaceutical systems and management practices as a way out to improve access to and affordability of medicines which is very imperative for achieving UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE (UHC). 

 

We have seen it work very well in many countries. Cameroon, the Dominican Republic, South Sudan and Swaziland saved $120million through Improved pharmaceutical management practices. No doubt that strong pharmaceutical system is crucial to UHC and we should understand that "No matter how vibrant a health policy is, without availability of good quality and affordable medicines, that policy will be sterile" - Prof Eyitayo Lambo, Former Hon. Minister of Health and Champion of Inter -professional collaboration. 

 

PSN really salutes and appreciates the Senate President, Rt. Honourable Speaker, Distinguished members of the senate committee on Health led by our own Dr Senator Olanrewaju Tejuoso and that of House of Representatives, Members of the senate committee on Primary Health Care and Communicable Diseases and all members of the 8th National Assembly for been responsive to the health care needs of our people

 

Signed 

Pharm. Ahmed I Yakasai, FPSN, FNIM, FNAPharm 

President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (P5N)