Keep Pharmacy Council Professional: PSN Urges

The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has issued a stern rejection of proposed changes that could weaken the governing council of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN). The PSN emphasizes that reducing professional representation on the PCN's Governing Council risks undermining essential regulatory functions, medicine safety, and overall public health.

The Society has formally communicated its position, urging both the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the National Assembly to preserve the PCN's professional and technical autonomy. They highlight that pharmacy regulation is a complex and critical area, encompassing education, practice, and professional discipline, which requires an appropriately structured governing body to function effectively.

PSN's proposed council composition includes a wide array of stakeholders, such as experienced professionals from the PSN itself, academia, Directors of Pharmaceutical Services, pharmacy technicians, and representatives from key health agencies like NAFDAC and NIPRD. They argue that this broad representation is vital for effective oversight across the medicine supply chain and professional conduct.

Furthermore, the PSN voiced opposition to what they term excessive public representation, suggesting that a significant number of public members could dilute technical expertise and potentially politicize regulatory processes. While supporting federal character, they advocate for minimum competency standards for public representatives in relevant fields like public health and finance, asserting that professional councils must remain technically led for patient safety.

The Society also demanded a dedicated seat for academic representation, nominated by accredited Faculties and Colleges of Pharmacy, recognizing the crucial link between university training and professional standards. Similarly, they called for the inclusion of pharmacy technicians, a regulated sub-cadre whose interests need to be considered. The PSN stated that their ultimate goal is to ensure patient safety, medicine quality, regulatory excellence, and the strengthening of Nigeria's health system.