Pharmacists Leaving Nigeria Over Poor Service Conditions – Association

The National Chairman of the Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists of Nigeria, Olabode Ogunjemiyo, has said the poor service conditions were responsible for the brain drain in the health sector.

He pointed out that between January and July 2022, over 200 pharmacists had left the country to foreign lands in search of greener pastures.

Ogunjemiyo disclosed this in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, on Monday at a press briefing during the association’s 23rd Annual National Scientific Conference tagged, ‘Covid 19 Experience: Expanding The Role of Health System Pharmacists’.

He said, “Poor condition of service is the reason for brain drain in the health sector. Since the year began, over 200 pharmacists have left the country in search for greener pastures.

“And in order to check the trend, the federal and state governments need to set aside substantial resources to upgrade all our health centres and improve on our welfare packages.”

According to Ogunjemiyo, the conference, which commenced from August 1st to 5th, will be attended by over 1000 pharmacists from across the country.

He added that the conference aims to bring members together, provide enabling environment for discussion about practice issues and learn the latest developments in hospital and administrative practice, among others.

He said that during the conference, the association will pay a courtesy call on dignitaries in the state, conduct a walk against drug abuse, and hold a health outreach for residents of the state, at the palace of the Emir of Lafia.

“This is part of our Corporate Social Responsibility carried out regularly and during conferences of this magnitude. It is meant to complement the efforts of the Nasarawa state government in improving the health of its citizens.

“About 1000 residents are expected to benefit from the medical outreach and they will enjoy pharmaceutical care, free of charge.

“Ailments like Malaria, High Blood Pressure, Blood glucose, Height and Weight check, are some of the issues to be looked into. They will also get free consultation and counseling,” the AHAPN National Chairman added.