The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has expressed worries regarding the unequal treatment of health workers in the country, urging the government to stop favouring doctors over others. During a press briefing in Akure to celebrate the 2024 Pharmacists’ Week, Dr. Taiwo Babalola, the PSN Chairman for Ondo State, voiced these concerns. He argues for a more inclusive strategy involving all healthcare practitioners, asserting that this is essential for achieving universal health coverage in the country.
His comments underscore the increasing dissatisfaction among pharmacists, who believe they are overlooked in healthcare even though they are essential to medical care. He stressed the importance of the government ensuring fair treatment for all healthcare workers and equipping them with the necessary resources for productive collaboration. He contends that achieving universal health coverage will be unattainable without this component, emphasising that a comprehensive strategy is crucial for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the healthcare system.
New doctors begin at Grade 13, while pharmacists start at Grade 10.
Furthermore, the unequal treatment is especially apparent in the civil service’s initial job ranks of doctors and pharmacists. Babalola mentioned that in Ondo State, doctors are placed at a superior grade compared to pharmacists, resulting in wage disparities. Specifically, newly appointed doctors start their careers at Grade Level 13, but pharmacists commence at Grade Level 10. This inequality results in a situation where a newly hired doctor makes a higher salary than a pharmacist who has spent years in the field. Babalola described this situation as a demoralising reality for many pharmacists, contributing to inequality and frustration within the profession.
He expressed concern about the absence of many healthcare practitioners from essential decision-making bodies, including hospital management boards. He inquired about the possibility of attaining fair and just representation when these teams overlook various professionals, such as pharmacists. The absence of representation undermines the collaboration needed for the effective operation of the healthcare system. One result of these disparities is the rising trend of pharmacists migrating both domestically and internationally, a trend Babalola attributes to sentiments of unfairness and discontent. In contrast to various health workers who resort to strikes, pharmacists typically prefer to seek improved prospects abroad.
Disadvantages of medical professionals migrating abroad.
Many are accepted in countries like the United States and various European countries, where pharmacists are esteemed and enjoy enhanced chances to make meaningful contributions to the healthcare system. The result is a growing brain drain, which affects the pharmaceutical sector and has wider implications for healthcare. The departure of healthcare workers, such as pharmacists, from the country contributes to a larger issue known as brain drain. This situation adversely affects the healthcare sector, resulting in a lack of qualified professionals, increased patient wait times, and a decline in the overall standard of care. It poses challenges, especially for rural and underserved areas with scarce healthcare resources.
As a result, the departure of skilled experts also hinders advancements in medical research and development, impeding growth and Innovation within the healthcare industry. Babalola urged the government to offer additional support for pharmacists by allocating health Tax revenues to enhance the industry. He pointed out that pharmacists are crucial in distributing medications and possess training in drug research, development, and production. To make the most of their skills, it is essential to establish appropriate standards within the field to prevent any professional group from being viewed as more important than others. He believes that the government should invest in pharmacists’ training and research to enhance their contributions to the healthcare system.
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However, Babalola celebrated Pharmacists’ Week, encouraging pharmacists to think creatively and assess their contributions to enhancing health services. Despite their challenges, pharmacists continue to dedicate themselves to assisting the government in providing high-quality healthcare to the citizens. Yet, for this dedication to result in real improvements, it is essential to establish equitable conditions for all healthcare practitioners. Only by enhancing cooperation and ensuring fair treatment for all can the healthcare system fulfil the needs of its population and attain the desired universal health coverage.