The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, (PSN), has expressed worry over the rate its members are leaving the country for greener pastures.
Chairman of the association, Osun State chapter, Prof Moses Akanmu, raised the concern while responding to some questions when the chapter joined their counterparts globally to celebrate World Pharmacists Day.
Akanmu said pharmacists from different fields now prefer to seek greener pastures abroad to practicing in Nigeria.
He said: “Many pharmacists are leaving the country. Academic pharmacists, industrial pharmacists, hospital and administration and community pharmacists, in the teaching hospitals, state ministries, pharmacists are leaving.
“I want to use this medium to call for the employment of more pharmacists in the local government, hospital management boards and the ministry of health to replace those that have relocated, retired or dead.
Also raising concerns over fake drugs, he said: “The issue of fake drugs is of major concern to us. As a pharmacist, your patient is very important. That is why the issue of fake drugs is not acceptable in any society.
“Free market is one of the problems that the government needs to tackle. The supply chain of drugs needs to be controlled. The government needs to come up with a policy and ensure its implementation. When the policies are adequately implemented, anybody on the street cannot say he wants to get controlled drugs.”
He also disclosed that the association will deworm 2,000 children across various towns of the state in celebration of its 30th anniversary which also coincides with the Pharmacist Day globally.
