The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has responded to the National Association of Resident Physicians (NARD) on the issue of medical care leadership and professional practice in Nigeria.
Remember ACPN had previously demanded the end of what it described as “institutionalized marginalization” of non -medical health professionals in the Nigerian education and health sectors “, before Nard's reaction on the subject.
Also read: Nard defends the role of doctors in the Nigeria health system
In a statement issued by the National President of ACPN, Pharm. Ambrose Ezeh, on Saturday, two points raised by Nard were addressed, the problems raised include the effectiveness of hospital leadership led by a doctor and the claim that doctors do not interfere with other health professions.
The ACPN in the statement expressed its appreciation for the intellectual discourse initiated by Nard, while emphasizing the need for clarity on various significant aspects of health administration in Nigeria.
The Association declared that “the Health Administration is, ideally, an autonomous professional,” and criticized the deviation of this rule that occurred in 1985 with the introduction of Decree 10, which demanded the Head of Federal Health Institutions (FHI) by doctors.
When affirming the adverse effects of this change, the ACPN said that the hospital system in Nigeria, previously characterized by efficiency and decorum under professional administrators, has greatly suffered under medical leadership.
The Association cited numerous corruption cases that involve medical leaders, including ministers and hospital directors, some of whom have faced positions related to the improper appropriation of funds for crucial health services.
The statement also revealed that the health sector is now loaded with more than 30 billion in debt owed to the pharmaceutical industry due to the poor management of health funds.
In addition, ACPN criticized the lack of leadership and management competencies among doctors.
“Doctors often demonstrate poor communication, poor relationship management and a general lack of experience in commercial strategies,” they said, highlighting how this deficiency negatively affects the functionality of public health facilities.
ACPN emphasized worrying health indices in Nigeria, including high rates of infant and maternal mortality, inefficiencies in health logistics and a negligence of preventive health.
The association regretted that the health system has changed its approach to preventive measures to exclusively healing solutions, often driven by economic interests.
Also in reaction to Nard's statement that doctors do not interfere with the affairs of other health professionals, the ACPN challenged the notion, stating that the current climate clearly illustrates a lack of respect for the roles of non -medical professionals.
Although discussions about the implementation of a pharmaceutical consultants picture were cited as examples in which doctors have resisted recognizing the contributions of pharmacists and other health workers.
ACPN also added that historical resistance by designating non -doctors in key health roles has contributed to a culture that undermines the abilities of other health professionals.
However, the Association requested comprehensive reforms in the Nigeria health system, advocating a model based on global best practices.
“The acquisition of doctors has led to unprecedented corruption and inefficiency within the health sector
“The health sector has been plagued with biased negotiations in favor of doctors, which allows them to dictate terms that marginalize other health professionals
“So that Nigeria goes beyond ineffective health governance, the government must adopt holistic reforms that really meet the needs of all Nigerians,” said the association, indicating a commitment to seek a more collaborative and effective health framework in the future..