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Pharmacy Week: University Don identify quackery/Lack of capacity reliable Data as impediments to  proper delivery of pharmaceutical Care Services

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By Clement Nnachi (abakaliki)
A University Don and Professor of Pharmaceutical Technology/Industrial pharmacy, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Sabinus Ifeanyi Ofoefule, has identified lack of reliable Data on capacity/distribution of pharmacists,  as impediments to proper response and delivery of pharmaceutical care services.
The renowned Pharmacist advocated for synegy among Health Professionals to curb the menace of quacks in the profession.
Professor Ofoefule made the assertion in abakaliki the Ebonyi state capital at the weekend  while delivering a Keynote address on the occassion of Pharmacy Week of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) Ebonyi State Chapter.
The theme of the 2022 Pharmacy Week “Pharmacist United in Action for a Healthier World”
According to him, “The conceptual framework of the Pharmacy World Day is to encourage activities that promote and advocate the role of the pharmacists in improving health in every corner of the world”
‘ A study conducted using census data obtained from PCN (from 2011-2016) indicated that there were 21,892 registered Pharmacists in Nigeria with only 12,807 (59%) in active practice.
‘Data on absolute capacity and distribution of Pharmacists and other Pharmacists support staff is lacking for most countries in Sub-Saharan Africa including Nigeria’
“This lack of reliable Data makes it difficult to adequately plan and respond to health workforce and delivery of Pharmaceutical care services’
Professor Ofoefule reiterated that Pharmacists carry their work mainly in
Community Pharmacy, Hospital Pharmacies, Public Health, Pharmaceutical Industry and Distribution and Teaching.
He identified perceived barriers to public health practice in the community pharmacy in Nigeria to include poor regulation of the practice of Patent Medicine Stores and sale of drugs in open market.
‘Unless the issue of insecurity is addressed, healthcare financing improved, Universities revitalized with appropriate budgetary allocations, the future of Pharmacy, like every other health professions is not looking good’
Earlier in an address, the Chairman of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria Ebonyi State Pharmacist Benard Anyasi, called for synegy and collaborative approach among health professionals for improved healthcare delivery.
” the benefit of this conference can not be over-emphasized , we urge you to network and join hands in the management of diseases.”
“Enemies of this profession include drug abuse, sale of counterfeit drugs, this gathering is gemane, this gathering is  meant to enhance Knowledge Base, we urge the youths to embark on more productive engagements “
Earlier while declaring the ceremony open, the State Commissioner for Health Dr Daniel Umezurike, commended the Society for the passage of the Pharmacy Bill into Law.
“The passage of the Pharmacy Law will herald the repositioning of the profession “
Goodwill messages were received from other Health Professionals such as National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Radiography Association of Nigeria Ebonyi State among others.
The meeting had in attendance Fellows of the Pharmacy profession including Pharmacists Victor Chukwu and Okereke, the Chairman of Organizing Committee Pharmacist Ifeyinwa Obeka, Emma Odo (State Officer), Pharmacist Anthony Ekoh among others.
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