The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging for an equitable distribution of political appointments in the health sector. The petition highlights the current trend of appointments favoring physicians and calls for a more inclusive approach that recognizes the roles of all healthcare professionals.
Signed by PSN President Pharm. Ayuba Ibrahim Tanko and National Secretary Pharm. Gafar Madehin, the petition expresses concern over the disproportionate number of doctors in key health positions. This trend, which has been observed since June 2023, places other essential healthcare workers at a disadvantage.
In their statement, the PSN pointed out that nearly all significant appointments in the health sector have gone to physicians, sidelining pharmacists and other health professionals. They stressed that this lack of representation is detrimental to the healthcare system and undermines efforts to create a harmonious workforce.
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“The equitable distribution of political appointments in the health sector is crucial for effective healthcare delivery in Nigeria,” Tanko stated. He noted that a purely medical perspective in leadership can harm the overall effectiveness of health policies and programs, making it harder for the country to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The petition emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach, highlighting that a balanced representation of all healthcare professions is essential for improving the health sector. Tanko insisted, “All healthcare professionals should be included in decision-making processes to ensure a collaborative and effective health system.”
The PSN also raised concerns about several recent appointments, including the positions of Chief Executive Officers in federal health institutions, which are all held by physicians. They argued that this overwhelming dominance of one profession negates the contributions of others and risks sidelining vital perspectives.
As part of their demands, the PSN called for the government to be more thoughtful in its appointments, advocating for an equitable distribution of political appointments in the health sector. They believe this will lead to better healthcare outcomes for all Nigerians.
The PSN’s petition serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusivity in healthcare leadership. With Nigeria’s health system facing various challenges, their call for balanced representation could play a significant role in shaping a better future for the sector.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) highlighted that their concerns are particularly important given the mandate of Prof. Ali Mohammed Pate. As the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Pate was expected to focus on building and harmonizing a sustainable healthcare workforce. However, a review of recent appointments shows that two ministers in charge of the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) are physicians, along with four others in different ministries who are also doctors. Additionally, the National Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) is yet another physician.
These appointments have resulted in significant challenges for non-physician health professionals. The PSN revealed that all Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of the 73 Federal Health Institutions are physicians, as well as the heads of key agencies like the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHDA) and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).
“This overwhelming dominance of one profession in leadership roles is harmful to our healthcare system,” emphasized Pharm. Gafar Madehin, the PSN National Secretary. “It creates an environment where the voices and expertise of other healthcare professionals are marginalized.”
The PSN argues that the current trend not only undermines the contributions of non-physician health professionals but also jeopardizes the overall effectiveness of Nigeria’s healthcare system. “How can Nigeria ever achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) if social health insurance is managed by individuals who do not value consensus-building in health management?” Tanko questioned.
While the PSN acknowledged the President’s right to appoint officials, they insisted on the need for a more balanced approach. “We urge the government to exercise greater caution in these appointments,” Tanko stated. “It’s concerning that even roles typically associated with other healthcare professions, like the Chair of NAFDAC, are taken by physicians.”
The PSN also noted that many health initiatives are being led by physicians, raising concerns about the inclusivity of health policies and programs.
The recent appointment of Dr. Ibrahim Oloriegbe as Chairman of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has added to the pharmacists’ worries. They expressed concerns about his past attempts to legislate exclusive titles for Nigerian physicians, which reflects the challenges faced by non-physician health workers.
The PSN believes that Nigeria cannot expect to achieve Universal Health Coverage when the management of social health insurance is in the hands of individuals who do not value collaborative decision-making.
The PSN has raised alarms over a proposed National Health Facility Regulatory Agency (NHFRA) bill, which they claim was developed by a physician-dominated team. They argue that this bill aims to restore privileges that physicians did not secure through the National Health Act of 2014 and seeks to repeal laws governing other professional regulatory councils.
“This bill poses a serious threat to the integrity of our healthcare system,” Tanko warned. “It’s essential for all healthcare professionals to have a voice in shaping policies that affect their practice.”
In light of these issues, the PSN is calling for a more thoughtful and equitable approach to health sector appointments. “We envision a health system where all professionals—pharmacists, nurses, and allied health workers—are respected and included in decision-making processes,” Tanko expressed.
Drawing parallels to the construction sector, where architects, engineers, and surveyors collaborate, Tanko emphasized that healthcare should also embrace a cooperative approach. “Such collaboration is vital for the stability and effectiveness of our health system,” he asserted.
As the PSN continues to advocate for equitable appointments, they remain devoted to laying the groundwork for a revitalized health system. “We will not stop striving for awareness and respect for every healthcare professional’s voice,” Tanko concluded.
In a challenging time for Nigeria’s health system, the PSN’s call for balanced representation in health sector appointments serves as a crucial reminder of the need for inclusivity in healthcare leadership. The future of Nigeria’s health system could depend on the government’s willingness to respond to this urgent call for change.
