The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has called on the Federal Government to initiate investigations into alleged corruption cases involving Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of Federal Health Institutions (FHIs).
News About Nigeria reports that this call was made in the communique released after the 96th annual national conference of the PSN, titled ‘Jewel City 2023’.
The communique, signed by the President, PSN, Prof. Cyril Usifoh, and National Secretary, Mr Garfa Madehin, expressed concern about corrupt practices, including drug procurement through proxies and the diversion of Drug Revolving Funds.
The PSN specifically requested a special retreat to revive the Drug Revolving Fund (DRF), bringing together Heads of Pharmacy Departments and CEOs of all FHIs.
The communique warned that the mortality rate in the health system could surpass historical highs if funding for the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria is neglected.
Highlighting the critical issue of unregistered drug sellers, the PSN noted the existence of over two million unregistered sellers and 35 open markets.
The communique stressed the urgency of addressing the fake drug syndrome, which has seen incidence rates ranging from 16% to 48% based on various studies over the last 25 years.
Additionally, the high rate of drug abuse, especially involving narcotics and controlled drugs, was emphasised.
The PSN appealed to the Federal Government to fund research-based pharmacists in pharmaceutical institutions. The conference urged proactiveness in dealing with emerging diseases such as Lassa fever, Ebola, coronavirus, Monkeypox, Buruli ulcer, and diphtheria.
The PSN emphasised the importance of making funds available for research-based pharmacists in institutes, drug research and production units, and pharmacy schools.
This, according to the PSN, is essential for identifying, researching, and producing drugs tailored to the Nigerian environment, contributing to the realization of universal health coverage.
