Nigerian Pharmacists Accuse Government of Favoring Physicians, Threatening National Growth
A shocking accusation has been levied against the Nigerian federal government by the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN). In a petition addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the ACPN alleges that the government is allowing physicians to dominate both the health and education sectors, stifling the growth and development of other professional bodies. The petition, signed by ACPN National Chairman, Pharmacist Ambrose Igwekamma Ezeh, claims that the government has repeatedly succumbed to the "blackmail tactics" of physician-dominated associations, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), and the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).
According to Ezeh, these associations have been subjugating other professional bodies, creating an uneven playing field in both the health and education sectors. The ACPN is calling on President Tinubu to address the issue without delay, citing concerns that national growth and development will become stunted if the problem is not resolved. Ezeh also highlighted the disparities in remuneration of workers in both sectors, which he believes need to be addressed to ensure fairness and equality. Furthermore, he accused hospital Chief Executive Officers of abusing their powers, punishing officers who dare to uphold professional standards and replacing them with less qualified individuals.
The petition describes the situation as "McCarthyism at work," where a monopolistic stranglehold subdues every other discipline. Ezeh emphasized that the time to act is now, in the public interest, to prevent national growth and development from being hindered. The ACPN’s accusation has sparked concerns about the state of the healthcare and education systems in Nigeria, and the need for the government to take swift action to address the issue. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how President Tinubu will respond to the ACPN’s petition and whether the government will take steps to address the perceived imbalance in the health and education sectors. One thing is certain, however: the fate of Nigeria’s national growth and development hangs in the balance, and it is imperative that the government takes immediate action to address the concerns raised by the ACPN.
