Pharmacists protest doctors’ control of drug fund

Pharmacists Call Out Ministry of Health for Physician Dominance in Drug Revolving Fund
By Chioma Obina

Pharmacists represented by the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) have criticized the Federal Ministry of Health for sidelining them in the National Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) Standard Operating Procedures. The ACPN accused the Ministry of Health of breaching professional laws by allowing physicians to lead DRF committees at the federal and local government levels, a responsibility that should be reserved for pharmacists as per the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) Act.

In a letter to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, the ACPN called for the suspension of the DRF SOP implementation until the discrepancies are addressed. They emphasized the expertise and legal authority pharmacists hold in drug procurement and management, urging the Ministry of Health to support legislation for fair governance in DRF schemes. The ACPN insists on upholding the law and ensuring pharmacists have a rightful place in healthcare decision-making.

This move highlights the ongoing struggle for professional recognition and equality within the healthcare sector, emphasizing the importance of upholding legal standards and fairness. The ACPN’s stand against physician dominance in drug procurement marks a significant step towards ensuring the rights and expertise of pharmacists are acknowledged and respected.

The post Pharmacists Protest Physician Dominance in Drug Revolving Fund originally appeared on Vanguard News.

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