Against the backdrop of the harsh economic situation in the Country, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, (PSN) Kogi State Chapter has called for improved salaries and wages and other welfare packages for her members across the country
The Kogi State Chairman, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, (PSN), Dr Lawal Mohammed disclosed this on Saturday while speaking against the backdrop of the 2022 world pharmacist day with the theme “Pharmacy united in action for a healthier world”.
Speaking ahead of this year’s celebration, Dr Mohammed said there have been mass exodus of Pharmacists out of the country for greener pastures because of poor welfare, stressing that this has given rise to quackery in the profession.
According to him, if something urgent is not done by the government at all levels, things will continue to fall apart for the Country health sector.
“Despite our impact in the health sector, we are not being appreciated. Our take home pay is nothing to write hope about looking at the economic hardship. Many of our colleagues are jetting out of Nigeria to look for greener.
“Who would want to stay in a place that you are not being appreciated for putting in your best to save lives? We can’t continue like this. We are using this medium to call on the government to look into the welfare of pharmacists across the Country. This is no doubt motivate us to keep putting in our best in the health profession” he added.
Aside from poor remuneration, Dr Mohammed posited that pharmacists are also confronted with the challenges of under staffing and unfriendly environment to practice the profession.
On this year’s World Pharmacists Day theme, the Kogi PSN Chairman explained that this year’s theme aims to showcase pharmacy’s positive impact on health around the world and to further strengthen solidarity among the profession.
While congratulating his colleague on the 2022 World Pharmacist’s day, Dr Mohammed said the hallmark of the profession remains empathy, adding that, the general public should desist from substance abuse.
World Pharmacists Day is celebrated annually on the 25th of September which provides an opportunity to promote the pharmacy profession.
