PSN hails creation of consultant pharmacist cadre in Lagos’ schemes of service

Pharmacists under the aegis of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) Lagos State Chapter have hailed the release of circular on the creation of the Consultant Pharmacist in schemes of service in the State even as they called for speedy implementation.

The PSN Lagos in a letter to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode dated May 15, 2018, and signed by the Chairman, Mrs. Bolanle Adeniran, said: “This serves to convey the appreciation of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (Lagos State Chapter) to the Governor for giving his assent to the much awaited creation of the Consultant Pharmacy Cadre in the Scheme of Service of Lagos State Government.

“This is a testament to the global best practice expected of a Centre of Excellence. It will eventually ensure that the professionals will be able to practice to the best of their ability in enhancing patient- centred healthcare services.

“Please be reassured of our continuous prayers as we look forward to the speedy implementation of this circular.”The Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists of Nigeria (AHAPN) had in a letter to The Head of Civil Service of the Federation dated October 26, 2017, asked for the review of the scheme of service and career progression of public/civil service pharmacists.

The AHAPN had drawn the attention of the Committee to the need to review the Scheme of Service for Public/Civil Service Pharmacists. The current Scheme of Service has no provision for the Fellowship programme of the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists (FPCPharm).

Under the extant scheme, Pharmacists are stagnated at grade level 16 or even 15 because there is only one provision for grade level 17, which is the directorship position. It is important to state that a good number of Pharmacists spend over twelve (12) years on grade level 16 with many of them retiring without the attainment of grade level 17.

The AHAPN said the request for review has been necessitated by the fact that:
•The establishment of the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists to acquire more skills through specialist courses which they undertake in a four year programme, thus qualifying as Consultants.
•The approval and the commencement of the six year Pharm D Programme, a clinical-oriented and patient-specific programme whereby Pharmacists shift from the traditional dispensing to offering a comprehensive pharmaceutical care, rational drug use, therapeutic drug monitoring, providing drug information services and pharmacovigilance.
•The public service pharmacists have been engaged in manufacturing and quality assurance of pharmaceutical products used in public hospitals both at State and Federal levels. This has helped in improving the quality of products and services rendered by pharmacists in public health institutions.
•The increasing role of Pharmacists involvement in policy formulation on drug use, distribution, control and management.

The AHAPN proposed two distinct schemes, one for the General Practice Cadre and the other for the Consultant Cadre in order to eliminate stagnation and frustration while restoring equity, justice and team spirit in the health sector.

The letter signed by the National Secretary, AHAPN, Jelili Kilani, noted: “The career progression for the Consultant Pharmacists cadre being requested for the Fellows of the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists (FPCPharm) is not peculiar to Nigeria alone. This is what is obtainable internationally. The West African countries that are members of West African Health Community had approved the scheme of service for Pharmacists who trained the College in their respective countries. Nigeria is yet to do so and the pharmacists are aggrieved and very apprehensive.”