Pharmacists in Ogun State, represented by the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, are expressing dissatisfaction over being left out of the Ogun State Health Insurance Agency program. They are raising concerns about their non-inclusion despite their qualifications and the significant role they play in healthcare provision.
During a recent press briefing organized ahead of the upcoming ‘PSN Ogun State Pharmacy Week’, scheduled from July 9 to 11, the chairman of the group, Adewale Adenugba, highlighted the importance of including pharmacists in the state health insurance scheme.
He emphasized the crucial role pharmacists play in patient care, offering vital services like medication management and counseling essential for enhancing health outcomes.
Adenugba further emphasized that pharmacists bring specialized knowledge to the table, complementing the efforts of other healthcare professionals.
He underscored the fact that pharmacists have much to contribute to the successful implementation of the state’s health development policies.
Adenugba noted, “We solicited the favour of the state government for the appointment of a substantive pharmacist in the OGSIA as there are many Senior Pharmacists in the pool of the state civil service which can fit into the agency and help it in providing seamless pharmaceutical services and medication logistics to subscribers of the Health Insurance Program as is the practice in many states across the country and the Federal Government’s National Health Insurance Agency.”
The government has appointed pharmacists to prominent positions, including the rank of Permanent Secretary, and has established the Drug Management Agency, which is currently recruiting a pharmacist to serve as its Executive Secretary.
Additionally, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) is preparing to host its annual pharmacy week in Abeokuta, where over 1,000 registered pharmacists will gather to celebrate their profession and enhance their skills through an informative lecture.
“This year’s conference theme is ‘Capacity Building and Professional Development: Strengthening the Pharmacy Workforce for Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria’.
“Her Excellency Mrs Bamidele Abiodun will be the Special Guest of Honour. The programme is designed to strengthen the capacity of Pharmacists to deliver Universal Health Coverage as the closest healthcare workers to the people.
“The programme will be heralded by a health walk against Drug Abuse which will also involve a medical outreach at the popular Ita-Oshin motor park in Abeokuta.,” he unveiled.
